answersLogoWhite

0

Among the earliest radio receiving devices, the Crystal set, sometimes called a cat's whisker detector, utilized a small piece of Galena crystal [a Lead mineral] that converted high frequency radio waves into audible sound. The device was self-powered and did not require any external energy. In its most basic form, the radio consisted of a set of headphones, the crystal, the "cat's whisker", a wire antenna, and a ground wire. The cat's whisker (a fine metal wire mounted on a lever) was positioned over the crystal and various contact points were tested, until the crystal produced the loudest reception of the incoming radio signal. The crystal set had very limited selectivity (the ability to separate stations from one another) and generally the strongest station could be heard on top of other stations. The addition of a tuning coil provided for limited ability to separate these stations from one another.

In the late 1950s/early 1960s, I recall a do-it-yourself project in the now-defunct "Popular Electronics" magazine, to construct an updated crystal set using dual diodes (the modern replacement of the original crystal) that was capable of self-powering a small speaker, something the original crystal sets were unable to do.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

The name for the early form of battery-free radio receiver powered by radio waves?

Such a radio was commonly called a Crystal Set .


What is mobile radio communication?

Mobile radio communication is performed by utilizing a battery-powered radio in the field in order to transmit messages to a fixed home base receiver.


A crystal set was an early?

A crystal set was an early Radio or cats whisker receiver simple but popular.


Does a solar powered FM Receiver work on the moon?

No, a solar powered FM Receiver would not work on the moon because there is no atmosphere on the moon to carry radio waves. Additionally, the lack of sunlight during the moon's two-week night would prevent the solar panels from generating power.


What is broadcast receiver?

A broadcast receiver is a radio that receives broadcasts from commercial radio stations.


Does a crystal receiver allow electricity through when the transmitter sends a signal to it?

A crystal receiver does not run on electricity. It is simply powered by the radio waves it is receiving. A large antenna is used to receive the signal and moves the signal to the crystal detector or diode.


What are the types of FM receiver?

TYPES OF RADIO RECEIVER • Basic crystal set. • A T.R.F. Receiver. • A Superhetrodyne Receiver. • the Reflex Receiver.


What is the difference in a philips portable radio and a standard radio?

The difference between a Philips portable radio and a standard radio are that a Philips radio is battery powered, while a regular radio is electrically powered.


Are any radio control toys solar powered?

There are currently no solar powered radio controlled toys.


What Energy transfer for solar powered radio?

Solar energy is converted into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells in the solar panel. This electrical energy is then used to power the radio's internal components, such as the receiver and amplifier, enabling it to function and play music or broadcast information.


What type of radio receiver do not respond to static interference?

FM radio is inherently less sensitive to natural noise ... not immunebut significantly less sensitive ... than AM radio is.


Did Tesla invent the crystal radio?

A crystal radio receiver, also called a crystal set, is a very simple radio receiver, popular in the early days of radio. It needs no battery or power source and runs on the power received from radio waves by a long wire antenna. Crystal radios are the simplest type of radio receiver, and can be handmade with a few inexpensive parts, like an antenna wire and tuning coil of copper wire. Tesla invented the coil and that was the basis of it but at the turn of the 20th century, an American scientist, Greenleaf Whittier Pickard, found that a number of naturally occurring crystalline minerals could be used to detect radio signals.

Trending Questions
How can I determine if pipes are frozen? What are the best types of lights for kitchen ceiling to ensure proper illumination and ambiance? What is the purpose of a tub faucet cover plate and how does it contribute to the overall functionality and aesthetics of a bathroom? How can I effectively remove tree roots from my yard? Why does the LED light flicker when turned on? What is a hink pink for what do you get when a giant sits on your sombrero? What are the best methods for repairing a leaky pipe using leaky pipe tape? What are the benefits of installing exterior French doors that swing outwards? What are the benefits of using subfloor underlayment in a flooring installation project? Can you provide guidance on replacing paneling with drywall in a room? What are the benefits of installing insulated French doors in a home? How can I effectively use paint to enhance the appearance of my indoor stairs? What are the benefits of installing corner shower sliding doors in a bathroom renovation project? What is the recommended rough opening size for a 34-inch door? Is the wood in this product kiln-dried for optimal quality and performance? What are the common causes and solutions for cracked slabs in buildings? What are the benefits of installing an upper cabinet lazy susan in the kitchen for maximizing storage space and accessibility? What are the benefits of using recessed light baffle trim in a room's lighting design? What are the benefits of installing kitchen LED under cabinet lighting? How should one properly dispose of a mirror?