https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/7973a891-3536-43c0-8870-2877857a4b55 This video demonstrates a crystal radio similar to that used in the early days of broadcasting. Crystal sets are powered from the signal being received - no batteries or amplifiers are used. The incoming station comes via a wire antenna (not shown) and is selected by a tuned circuit. A tuned circuit comprises a coil of wire and a variable capacitor. Moving the variable capacitor knob changes the station. A diode detector converts the radio frequency signal from the tuned circuit (which we can't hear) to a sound signal that we can hear through headphones. As crystal sets are self-powered, signals on them are often weak and they might not receive all signals that a more sensitive radio would. Several stations were heard on the set demonstrated but only a couple were loud enough for this demonstration without an amplifier. The stations with the time pips were the ABC about 40 kilometres away. The later stronger station with the news bulletin was 3MP, about 20 kilmetres distant. Other stations were heard in the headphones but background noise was too high for them to be picked up by the camera. The antenna was about 20 metres of wire. If you want to build one, crystal set circuits are readily available on the web. A search will reveal both simple and fairly complex designs, with performance varying accordingly. Part 2 follows with the improved signals obtainable with a better antenna and altered coupling into the receiver. Contents 0:00 Introduction 0:20 Inside 0:24 How it works 1:16 Demonstration 2:04 Tips for better reception PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by: Subscribing on YouTube, Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, Shopping on Amazon via: https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ , or, Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP (then if you buy something I'll get a small commission at no cost to you) Sun, 10 May 2026 10:03:57 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/7973a891-3536-43c0-8870-2877857a4b55 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.