crystal radios

Galena-based audio devices

A crystal radio is a simple receiver that picks up AM radio signals without batteries or external power, drawing energy from the radio waves themselves.

The "crystal" refers to a mineral detector (originally galena) that converts radio signals to audio.

Crystal radios were popular in the early 20th century and remain common educational projects: We built crystal radios in science class.

Related

wireless telegraphy · receiver · detectors · aerials · antenna · broadcast · coils · grounding · amplifiers · galena · vacuum tubes · radiotelegraphy · germanium · electronics kit · headphones · diodes · receivers · earphones

Opposites
signal amplification

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tube radios

technological sophistication

crystal radiossmart speakers

Voice-activated home devices

Bluetooth speakers

Family

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Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G