CRADIOKIT: Crystal Radio Kit, Sound DIY AM, No Batteries Needed

Welcome to the DIY Crystal Radio project, where you'll build a battery-free AM radio receiver using our innovative Crystal Radio Kit. In this engaging DIY AM radio project, you'll explore key electronics principles like electromagnetic induction and resonance while assembling a simple radio receiver that captures radio waves without batteries. Ideal for STEM enthusiasts and beginners alike, this project offers a hands-on introduction to creating a functional radio wave receiver and delving into the world of DIY AM radio.

1. 1 Germanium Diode
2. 1 Crystal Earphone (Piezoelectric)
3. 2 Aluminum Electrodes
4. 8 grams enameled Copper Wire
5. 1 Antenna and ground wire
6. 1 Pair Alligator Clips (Red/Black)
7. 1 Pair Red and Black Wire
8. 6 Fahnestock Clips
9. 1 Radio Structure

Remove the diode from its container and place it in a safe location. The container will be repurposed to create the inductor.

sing the container and the coil holder,

a. insert a long piece of wire (about 4 inches) into the holes of the coil holder, starting from the open section of the container.

b. Leave 3 inches of wire inside the container as extra, and then use the other end of the wire to start wrapping it tightly around the container to form the inductor.

Wrap the wire around the cylindrical container as tightly and neatly as possible until the entire coil is wrapped. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Leave about 4 inches of wire at the end to secure it in the coil holder.

Using the 2 aluminum electrodes, remove the blue protective film, and then use tape to cover both sides of the electrodes, leaving about 1/2 inch exposed to connect the alligator clip

Assemble and attach the variable capacitor structure to the base as shown in the pictures. Sand the wood if necessary to ensure a proper fit..

Place the inductor in the designated area and then assemble the radio support structure as shown in the images

Screw the Fahnestock clips into the designated holes. You can attach the antenna and ground wire either to the screws or directly to the clips.

Sand the terminal ends of the inductor coil wire and attach them to the antenna and ground Fahnestock clips. If desired, the antenna and ground can also be secured directly to the screws of the clips for better adjustment.

Connect the 2 black wires and 2 red wires to their respective alligator clips. Attach each alligator clip to the 1/2-inch non-insulated section of each aluminum electrode. Place the electrodes inside the variable capacitor box, and finally, follow the connection diagram in the pictures to complete the circuit.

Note: Being closer to an AM radio station, using a good ground connection like a copper pipe, and setting up a large antenna will significantly improve the sound quality.

Additional Information:

Caution: Small and sharp parts. Not suitable for children under 8.

Recommended Age: Ages 12 and above. Adult supervision required.

Before assembly, use sandpaper to smooth the wooden parts. Even with laser cutting, some residue or rough edges may remain that could affect the fit and performance.