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Crystal detector
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A crystal detector is an electronic component used in some early 20th century radio receivers. It consists of a piece of crystalline mineral that rectifies an alternating current radio signal. It was
Galena cat whisker detector used in early crystal radio
Galena cat whisker detector used in early crystal radio
Precision crystal detector with iron pyrite crystal, used in commercial wireless stations, 1914. The crystal is inside the metal capsule under the ver
Precision crystal detector with iron pyrite crystal, used in commercial wireless stations, 1914. The crystal is inside the metal capsule under the vertical needle (right). The leaf springs and thumbscrew allow fine adjustment of the pressure of the needle on the crystal.
Pictorial diagram from 1922 showing the circuit of a cat whisker crystal radio. This common circuit did not use a tuning capacitor, but used the capac
Pictorial diagram from 1922 showing the circuit of a cat whisker crystal radio. This common circuit did not use a tuning capacitor, but used the capacitance of the antenna to form the tuned circuit with the coil.
Galena cat whisker detector from a 1920s crystal radio
Galena cat whisker detector from a 1920s crystal radio
Crystal radio
Videos
A crystal radio receiver, also called a crystal set, is a simple radio receiver, popular in the early days of radio. It uses only the power of the received radio wave to produce sound, needing no exte
Crystal detector
…the 1930s and 1940s led to the development of modern semiconductor electronics. The unamplified radio receivers that used crystal detectors are called crystal radios. The crystal radio was the first type of radio receiver that was used by the general public, and became the most widely used type of radio until the…
Swedish crystal radio from 1922 made by Radiola, with earphones. The device at top is the radio's cat's whisker detector. A second pair of earphone ja
Swedish crystal radio from 1922 made by Radiola, with earphones. The device at top is the radio's cat's whisker detector. A second pair of earphone jacks is provided.
1970s-era Arrow crystal radio marketed to children. The earphone is on left. The antenna wire, right, has a clip to attach to metal objects such as a
1970s-era Arrow crystal radio marketed to children. The earphone is on left. The antenna wire, right, has a clip to attach to metal objects such as a bedspring, which serve as an additional antenna to improve reception.