Detector for a crystal radio

[KC2UGV]

So, got a wild hair in my arse this morning: I'm going to build a crystal set (I saw an empty oatmeal box).

Thing is, I'm not having much luck right now. Haven't made one of these in 15 years or so. I'm trying to use a 1N914 diode, and my first instinct when it's not working, is go see what luck others have had.

Apparently, not a good diode for a crystal set. So, I've got some NPN transistors, might be able to dig up a rusty nail. I don't know, what's a good drop in replacement for a germanium diode?

[WØTKX]

Small signals prefer germanium. AKA, 1N34 diodes.

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/crystal.html

[KC2UGV]

Small signals prefer germanium. AKA, 1N34 diodes.

http://www.techlib.com/electronics/crystal.html

True, however, Germanium diodes have no local supplier (ie, I can't go there right now to get one). I've got a 10 pack on order right now, just want something to show the son today.

[N2CHX]

I have a bunch I ordered last year to aid in developing some paranormal gear.

[KC2UGV]

I have a bunch I ordered last year to aid in developing some paranormal gear.

That's actually the side reason :) Making a better VLF/ULF detector.

[kd8dey]

check out the Midnight science web site.
If you have any "Razor Blades" single sided carpenters knife blade will work o k if you don't have any of the old double edge stainless blades (non blue coating)
heat it up till the steel starts turning different shades of blue and use a safety pin for the contact.

Check your old non working parts donors. if it has a clear glass diode inside it's some form of germanium, May/not be a 1n34 but it will suffice.

take a section from an old BIC pen and fill it full of copper oxide (heat a piece of copper and scrape) shove a wire into both ends and plug with wax (bees wax , paraffin, ear, whatever you have handy.

on another note
old sauce pots can be turned into variable capacitors in a pinch

need a capacitor across the earphone?

nothing like taking a piece of wax paper and a couple sheets of aluminum foil.............

[N2CHX]

That's actually the side reason :) Making a better VLF/ULF detector.

Yeah, I already have one of those. It's great for sniffing out what exactly is setting off a K2 meter, which 99.99999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 999% of the time is something explainable. My design is something a bit more interesting than that but the VLF detector is cool.

[KC2UGV]

check out the Midnight science web site.
If you have any "Razor Blades" single sided carpenters knife blade will work o k if you don't have any of the old double edge stainless blades (non blue coating)
heat it up till the steel starts turning different shades of blue and use a safety pin for the contact.

Check your old non working parts donors. if it has a clear glass diode inside it's some form of germanium, May/not be a 1n34 but it will suffice.

take a section from an old BIC pen and fill it full of copper oxide (heat a piece of copper and scrape) shove a wire into both ends and plug with wax (bees wax , paraffin, ear, whatever you have handy.

on another note
old sauce pots can be turned into variable capacitors in a pinch

need a capacitor across the earphone?

nothing like taking a piece of wax paper and a couple sheets of aluminum foil.............

Thanks for the advice there. As for the cap:

[kd8dey]

Thanks for the advice there. As for the cap:

I see your ahead of me on that one Lol.

Been a long time since I've played with crystal radios.
was thinking of playing with the different types of coils (spider, basket....) but never got that far (Youths lack of funds)

[KC2UGV]

Chris (My oldest) is having a blast with this :) Even though all we are hearing so far is power line buzz, he still thinks this is tits, hearing stuff with no batteries :)