A crystal radio receiver, also called a crystal set, is a simple radio receiver, popular in the early days of radio. It uses only the power of the received radio signal to produce sound, needing no external power.
source.image: 3DSage
It is named for its most important component, a crystal detector, originally made from a piece of crystalline mineral such as galena.This component is now called a diode.
Crystal radios are the simplest type of radio receiver and can be made with a few inexpensive parts, such as a wire for an antenna, a coil of wire, a capacitor, a crystal detector, and earphones (because a crystal set has insufficient power for a loudspeaker).
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I’m thrilled to unveil my new 3D printed AM radio! I was inspired by the diy crystal and foxhole radios of the early 1900’s, but I created my own design to be as simple as possible.
Materials:
- 1 Piezo Earphone
- 1 Coil of 24 AWG Magnet Wire (aka Enamel Wire)
- 1 1N34A germanium diode
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 paper clip
- 1 package of Hildie & Jo 45 Cord Ends (5x10mm Springs)
These should be easy to find online. The springs I got are sold at Joann Fabrics. Search Silver Cord End Springs but any similar 5mm diameter springs should work.