 |
Left: The completed
high performance crystal set with 1N34A diode installed in detector clips for testing
operation. From page 78 of the Crystal Set Projects book, "How to Build and Use a
High Performance Crystal Set," by Lance Borden. |
| What they are saying! "Crystal set circuits
have been regularly published in the hobby press since the dawn of radio. But the Xtal Set
Society's new project book covers more electronic and mechanical variations of this
ever-popular receiver than I have ever seen in one place. You'll find hi tech and low tech
versions, vintage and modern versions, sets with loop antennas and short-wave bands. The
book is as much fun to read as to build from, but I defy anyone to browse this infectious
publication for long without experiencing an uncontrollable urge to break out the
soldering iron and double-cotton-covered wire!"
- —Marc Ellis, Editor, The Old-Timer's Bulletin of the Antique Wireless Association;
Contributing Editor, Antique Radio, Popular Electronics magazine
"In the whirlwind era of high technology, we long to take refuge in a simpler time
when a coil of wire, a crystal of galena, a primitive capacitor, and a set of headphones
brought the magic of voices and music out of the air. This was truly the birthplace of
radio. How refreshing to see a collection of these reminiscent projects enticing us over
the weekend, or even an hour or two in the evening. And what a great way to introduce the
magic to a youngster who is growing up in a plug-and-play environment. Between the covers
of this fascinating book lie the rudiments of radio, the essence of electronic
communications. It is reassuring to know that when we feel that technology is out of
control, we can still grasp the threads of our technology at its feeble and humble
beginnings nearly a century ago."
- —Bob Grove, Publisher, Monitoring Times, Satellite Times
"I just received the new book, 'Crystal Set Projects.' It is great, and as the
introduction mentions, please do a Volume 2, taking off where [this first] volume ends
(complex and innovative circuits). I was very impressed with the creativity of the Society
members. The Krystal Kludge [project] demonstrates that scarcity of the old parts is no
excuse to keep one from building working home brew radios. Thanks to all contributors for
sharing your projects for all of us to enjoy building."
- —Roy W. Osborne, member of the Xtal Set Society.
|
 |
Left: Bill's neighbor
testing out the set she helped build. From page 21 of the Crystal Set Projects Book,
"Low Budget Xtal Set," by William Simes.
|
Table of
Contents
- Preface — 11
- Introduction — 13
- Low Budget Xtal Set, by William Simes — 21
- A Loop Antenna Crystal Set, by Michael Mauser — 29
- Benjamin and David Goldenberg’s Very-Fine Old-Time Crystal Radio, by Benjamin and
David Goldenberg — 41
- The Directional Loop DX Xtal Set, by Joseph Cooper — 53
- The Den Two Crystal Radio, by Alan Klase — 65
- How to Build and Use a High Performance Crystal Set, by Lance Borden — 71
- A Homemade Variable Capacitor and a Trap Tuned Set, by Eric Hudson — 85
- Build a Matchbox Crystal Radio, by Jim Clark — 95
- A Krystal Kludge, by William Simes — 103
- A Triple Tuned Crystal Set, by Greg Constant — 111
- My Best Set Yet, by Carl Davis — 121
- Yesterday’s Circuit Today’s Parts, by William Simes — 125
- A Magic Coil for Crystal Radios, by George Hails — 131
- Antenna-Ground System, by Mark Zechar — 141
- The Design and Construction of a Ferrite Loopstick Inductor for an AM Broadcast
Receiver, by Ross Wollrab — 149
- Vendor List — 155
- The Xtal Set Society, Membership and Books — 157
|
