Build a Crystal Radio - Needed Parts & Where to Find Them

In summary, building a crystal radio requires basic components such as an antenna, coil, capacitor, diode, and high impedance earphones. These can be easily obtained from sources like RadioShack or online stores. However, some parts can also be found around the house or in hardware stores. Websites like crystalradio.net and midnightscience.com offer information and supplies for building crystal radios. Additionally, sites like xtalman.com and crystalrad.com, while offering good products, may have issues with customer service. Building a crystal radio is a fun and educational project, and can be enhanced by using tuned loop antennas.
  • #1
relativelyslow
104
0
has anyone here ever built a crystal radio? what parts would i need and where can i get them? in the physics forum they said one could be constructed to run off the radio waves themselves, which is the kind i would like to build. thanks
 
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  • #2
As we said in the other thread, go to RadioShack and buy a kit. They probably cost about $10.

- Warren
 
  • #3
http://support.radioshack.com/productinfo/DocumentResults.asp?sku_id=28-178&Name=Electronic%20Labs%20and%20Kits&Reuse=N#

- Warren
 
  • #4
has anyone here ever built a crystal radio?
You betcha!
what parts would i need and where can i get them?
Antenna, coil, capacitor, diode, high impedance earphones. As a scrounger, the earphones are probably the hardest part to come by. The rest can come from any number of sources such as a broken radio or other suitable device contain electronic parts. The wire could come from a small electric motor (the type found in many toys, for example). There are many links available by performing a Google search and here are a few;


http://www.thebest.net/wuggy/rs99fun.htm

http://www.crystalrad.com/directory.htm

http://www.schmarder.com/radios/crystal/

Good luck, and most of all have fun!
 
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  • #5
nice. thanks for the links. that should help little at least. i did, in fact, check radio shack, but to no avail. so those are the only five components i need, other than mounting board or whatever?
 
  • #6
id only like to buy things online as a last resort. it be better if i could find things around my house or in a store. i have electrical parts in my house.
 
  • #7
You can do it with even fewer parts and COMPLETELY homemade except the earphones. No diode or capacitor, just some hardware that you can come up with in a plain old hardware store. Do this:

Search for "foxhole radio" on google. You will be amazed.
 
  • #9
hmmm. maybe ill try a foxhole after the crystal. my friend already got the wire and diodes so we should be set. ill let you know how it comes out.
 
  • #10
here are some info and parts sites..

http://www.crystalradio.net

http://www.midnightscience.com

good parts sight.
http://www.xtalman.com also known as Borden Radio really good stuff and quick curtious service

one site mentioned earlier. crystalrad.com... i would not recommend in general, unless you want to take your chances.. received wrong items.. legs fell off, i was generally unhappy not receiving items and getting the run around and no replys as a repete customer. the detector stands are nice looking and traditional,,but some of the parts were sort of lose and i had to tighten them up with a thin layer of solder and shave it down till the slide and ball maintained consistant connection..others were ok.. i like the way they look, but legs fell of stands bad glue, i screwed mine on.. but they do have the absolute best detector crystals. and their bolt and blade switch parts are nice and a good price. he has some really unique pieces and kits. he was not very responsive to me.i don't know what his problem was..

crystal radios will teach you a lot.. i build tuned loop antennas for them..

they are very iteresting.. the curcuitry is faciating.. you can hook the parts up many different ways .. have fun
 

Related to Build a Crystal Radio - Needed Parts & Where to Find Them

What is a crystal radio?

A crystal radio is a simple radio receiver that uses a mineral crystal as a detector to convert radio waves into audio signals. It was one of the first types of radios and is still popular as a DIY project.

What are the necessary parts for building a crystal radio?

The main parts needed for building a crystal radio are a crystal, an antenna, a tuning coil, a variable capacitor, a diode, and a set of headphones. Some additional parts may be needed depending on the specific design and materials used.

Where can I find the needed parts for building a crystal radio?

The parts for building a crystal radio can be found at electronics stores, hobby shops, and online retailers. Some common household items such as a pencil, wire, and a toilet paper tube can also be used for constructing the radio.

Do I need any special tools for building a crystal radio?

No, building a crystal radio does not require any special tools. Basic tools such as pliers, wire cutters, and a soldering iron may be helpful for assembling the radio, but they are not necessary.

Is it difficult to build a crystal radio?

Building a crystal radio is a relatively simple and straightforward process. It does not require any advanced technical skills, making it a popular project for beginners and students. However, some basic knowledge of electronics and circuitry may be helpful.

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