Crystal sets (simple receivers)
To quote https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_radio
'A crystal radio, sometimes called a crystal set, is a very simple AM (or rarely FM) radio receiver, that does not need batteries to work. A long wire antenna gathers enough of the radio signals from nearby transmitters to power a crystal diode, which demodulates the signals, and plays them as sound through an earphone or small headset.'
The name 'crystal' arises from the use of a piece of galena mineral to make a rectifier (diode) to demodulate the AM radio signals.
Crystal sets are still built today, usually as a hobby or science project. They can be a fun activity to try on Scout camp.
Getting a crystal set to work in the Taunton area should be fairly easy as BBC Radio Somerset has a medium wave transmitter by the car dealers in Priory Way, Taunton. This operates on a frequency of 1566 MHz.
Information on this transmitter site for the technically minded can be found at:
http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/gallerypage.php?txid=1625&pageid=3249
Caution: well insulated antenna wires can acquire a static charge due to storm activity and other weather related conditions, even if quite a long way distant. They can also present an even greater and more obvious hazard during more local storm conditions. Appropriate precautions must be taken, e.g. grounding and/or lightning arrestors. Crystal sets must not be used during stormy weather.
Antennas must not be erected near to any power lines.
More information on crystal sets can be found at:
To quote https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_radio
'A crystal radio, sometimes called a crystal set, is a very simple AM (or rarely FM) radio receiver, that does not need batteries to work. A long wire antenna gathers enough of the radio signals from nearby transmitters to power a crystal diode, which demodulates the signals, and plays them as sound through an earphone or small headset.'
The name 'crystal' arises from the use of a piece of galena mineral to make a rectifier (diode) to demodulate the AM radio signals.
Crystal sets are still built today, usually as a hobby or science project. They can be a fun activity to try on Scout camp.
Getting a crystal set to work in the Taunton area should be fairly easy as BBC Radio Somerset has a medium wave transmitter by the car dealers in Priory Way, Taunton. This operates on a frequency of 1566 MHz.
Information on this transmitter site for the technically minded can be found at:
http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/gallerypage.php?txid=1625&pageid=3249
Caution: well insulated antenna wires can acquire a static charge due to storm activity and other weather related conditions, even if quite a long way distant. They can also present an even greater and more obvious hazard during more local storm conditions. Appropriate precautions must be taken, e.g. grounding and/or lightning arrestors. Crystal sets must not be used during stormy weather.
Antennas must not be erected near to any power lines.
More information on crystal sets can be found at: