Did people make their own crystal radio sets?
Some people built their own radios, often making the components or at least some of them, themselves. This considerably reduced the cost of getting a radio that was operational. Crystals were available to but, and many components could be made. Some kit radios were also available.
What is a cat’s whisker in a radio?
The cat’s whisker detector is one of the most iconic components used in vintage radio sets. Also called the crystal detector it was an iconic component used in many antique radio equipments. Today, many cat’s whisker or crystal detectors sets can be seen in the antique and vintage radio collectors market.
Is there a crystal detector?
A crystal detector is an obsolete electronic component used in some early 20th century radio receivers that consists of a piece of crystalline mineral which rectifies the alternating current radio signal.
How can you tell a crystal?
Crystal Identification is the process of identifying crystals by their physical or chemical properties. It can be classified based on color, streak, luster, hardness, crystal shape, specific gravity, tenancy, and more. And each of these crystals has different forms that impact their appearance and energy capabilities.
Do crystal radios receive AM or FM?
Crystal radios receive amplitude modulated (AM) signals, although FM designs have been built. They can be designed to receive almost any radio frequency band, but most receive the AM broadcast band. A few receive shortwave bands, but strong signals are required.
When did people start building crystal radios?
Building crystal radios was a craze in the 1920s, and again in the 1950s. Recently, hobbyists have started designing and building examples of the early instruments.
What are crystal radios made of?
Crystal radios have also been improvised from a variety of common objects, such as blue steel razor blades and lead pencils, rusty needles, and pennies In these, a semiconducting layer of oxide or sulfide on the metal surface is usually responsible for the rectifying action.
When did crystal radio sets become obsolete?
Around 1920, crystal sets were superseded by the first amplifying receivers, which used vacuum tubes. Crystal sets became obsolete for commercial use but continued to be built by hobbyists, youth groups, and the Boy Scouts mainly as a way of learning about the technology of radio.