Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Follow on to the Crystal Radio Coil Sizing, but here we are going to go from coil calculations and look at actual coils and measured values and how wire size, tightly/loosely wound, and core size change inductance.
When building a crystal radio, the coil size and winding method make a big difference. In this video we test with real coil examples. Using 19, 20, and 24 gauge wires wound tightly and loosely, plus an oversized 2-inch pipe form, we measure how wire gauge, coil diameter, number of turns, and winding tightness affect inductance. We see how changing just one variable alters performance and why we can’t simply swap materials without compensating. Whether you’re experimenting with DIY electronics, radio coils, inductors, or crystal set design, this hands-on demonstration will gives practical insight into coil sizing and how to optimize your own builds. Perfect for DIYers, science enthusiasts, and tinkerers who want to understand how coil construction impacts radio performance.
This is a follow on to this video on coil sizing:
Crystal Radio Coil Sizing (4K) youtu.be/ejHk5tFeKHk
I was making the above video when I found out that one of my cores (white plastic pipe) did not work! So I have finally finished it.
Percent Change Calculator:
skillsyouneed.com/livesheets/percent-change.html
19 AWG = .036", 0.91mm
20 gauge = 0.0320", 0.81mm
24 gauge = 0.0201", 0.5106mm
#CrystalRadio #ElectronicsDIY #RadioCoils #DIYScience
Follow on to the Crystal Radio Coil Sizing, but here we are going to go from coil calculations and look at actual coils and measured values and how wire size, tightly/loosely wound, and core size change inductance.
When building a crystal radio, the coil size and winding method make a big difference. In this video we test with real coil examples. Using 19, 20, and 24 gauge wires wound tightly and loosely, plus an oversized 2-inch pipe form, we measure how wire gauge, coil diameter, number of turns, and winding tightness affect inductance. We see how changing just one variable alters performance and why we can’t simply swap materials without compensating. Whether you’re experimenting with DIY electronics, radio coils, inductors, or crystal set design, this hands-on demonstration will gives practical insight into coil sizing and how to optimize your own builds. Perfect for DIYers, science enthusiasts, and tinkerers who want to understand how coil construction impacts radio performance.
This is a follow on to this video on coil sizing:
Crystal Radio Coil Sizing (4K) youtu.be/ejHk5tFeKHk
I was making the above video when I found out that one of my cores (white plastic pipe) did not work! So I have finally finished it.
Percent Change Calculator:
skillsyouneed.com/livesheets/percent-change.html
19 AWG = .036", 0.91mm
20 gauge = 0.0320", 0.81mm
24 gauge = 0.0201", 0.5106mm
#CrystalRadio #ElectronicsDIY #RadioCoils #DIYScience
