Powerless Radio Receiver for Audio Input: Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a powerless radio receiver that can connect to speakers via an audio input (AUX). Participants explore the requirements for power in radio receivers and the implications for audio quality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that a crystal radio is an example of a powerless radio, but express doubts about the quality of audio it can produce, noting it only works for AM signals.
  • One participant suggests that while a crystal radio is possible, it would require impedance matching with an audio transformer and may not yield good quality signals.
  • Another participant argues that a regular radio receiver would require power for its circuit and audio amplification, implying that a powerless version is not feasible.
  • There is a discussion about powered speakers and the potential to draw power from their external DC source, suggesting that while AUX connections do not provide power, it may be possible to utilize power from the speaker's power input.
  • Several follow-up questions are raised regarding the power output from AUX and headphone sockets, indicating a need for clarification on the power capabilities of these audio ports.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of a powerless radio receiver, with some suggesting it is feasible under certain conditions while others assert that power is necessary for any functional radio receiver. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of power availability from audio ports.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definitions of "powerless radio" or the specific requirements for audio quality and power needs. There are also unresolved questions about the power output from various audio ports.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring audio technology, radio engineering, or those curious about the capabilities of audio input/output ports in devices.

ojsimon
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Hi

Just have a quick question, for audio input (AUX) into speakers would it be possible to make a powerless radio receiver plug in, or would it require power?

Thanks
 
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Well, a crystal radio is unpowered, but I doubt you'd be happy with the results. And it'll only work for AM.

- Warren
 
If you want a quick answer you need to give more detail. By "powerless radio" do you mean e.g. a crystal radio?

If so then yes its possible but you'd need to match impedances with an audio transformer and I wouldn't bet on you getting a very good quality signal.

Are you talking about a regular radio but with say no batteries? If so then No! The whole receiver circuit needs power before you even get to the audio amplification stage.
 
Sounds like you mean the powered speakers that are used on computers.
These have an AUX (line out from computer sound card) connection, but there is no DC power available there.
A radio would require DC power, but you could borrow power from the speaker power input.

These seem to always have an external DC power source from a wall wart or similar. You could get DC power from there if you get advice first on how to do it.


You keep asking basically the same question. Why not just say what you want to do?

AUX In/Out Power?
Hi

Sorry i was just wondering how if any how much power is provider by aux in and out audio ports?

Thanks

Power from headphone socket?
Hi
I was wondering if there is power from the headphone socket on appliances? if so how much? also is there power from a line in 3.5mm port? again how much?

Thanks for your help

Now this one:
Hi

Just have a quick question, for audio input (AUX) into speakers would it be possible to make a powerless radio receiver plug in, or would it require power?

Thanks
 

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