Depends on how hardcore a crystalset builder you are, I guess?
I've done it the hard way a few times for fun, but the results
were not lasting. Sometimes I also help children age ~10 to make
their first crystalset and in that case I'm happy to use of the shelf
components. For them it's important that they pull it off the first
time reliably. I have fun doing all of the above.
After all, somewhere in a ge-diode there is a crystal.....
Sipke de Wal
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"don't try to solve with words.....
..... what you can accomplish with a flamethrower"
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http://xgistor.ath.cx
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Erlacher <edick_at_idcomm.com>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2001 5:39 PM
Subject: Re: Crystal Radios (was Re: List spammer ID'd)
> Well, if the purpose of the crystal + (what we used was a safety-pin) is to
> function as a diode, then is it still a crystal radio if a diode is used
> instead?
>
> Dick
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tony Duell" <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
> To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 10:58 AM
> Subject: Re: Crystal Radios (was Re: List spammer ID'd)
>
>
> > >
> > > When I built mine, we (the CubScout pack) used toilet paper roll cores
which
> we
> > > varnished and then applied our magnet wire. We even went rock hunting to
> find
> > > galena crystals to use. I don't remember any sort of diode ... there
> could've
> > > been one, though ... that was nearly 50 years ago, after all.
> >
> > The galena + catswhisker is a (poor-quality) diode.
> >
> > My suggestion to use a ready-made diode (in the UK I'd use something like
> > an OA81) is that you know that diode is good. You can then wind the coil
> > and wire up the rest of the set, knowing that if it doesn't work the
> > problem is not due to the fact you've not found a spot of the right
> > impurities in the crystal. When you've got it working, you can then swap
> > the diode for the crystal and catswhisker, knowing that if it doesn't
> > work the problem is with that.
> >
> > Otherwise there are too many variables IMHO.
> >
> > -tony
> >
> >
>
Received on Sat Mar 31 2001 - 02:51:10 BST