Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Tried out some new online websites and found this crystal radio. It was rather pricey at $31, plus it lacked a base, variable cap, earphone, and some other small items. The screws are steel, so dissimilar metal corrosion will be an issue. Also, the main coil was not wound to the diagram printed on the main coil. Not sure about this.
In this Crystal Radio – 1 Variable Capacitor + Variable Coupling build review, we go through the assembly and testing of a $31 crystal radio kit I found online, and why I can’t recommend it. From missing essential components like the coil wound backwards that severely impacts coupling and tuning, this project is a cautionary tale. We test the set using my bench capacitor, oscilloscope, and standard antenna/ground setup, evaluate its sensitivity and selectivity, and point out critical mechanical issues like steel-on-copper corrosion and wear-prone sliding coil couplers. Some hints on what to check before buying a crystal radio kit, how coil winding orientation affects performance, and why proper materials and assembly matter for long-term reliability. If you’re into DIY electronics, vintage radio restoration, or simply want to avoid costly mistakes when shopping online, this video will save you time, money, and frustration.
RELATED VIDEOS:
Crystal Radio--1 Cap, Variable Coupled FOLLOW-UP Fix?
youtu.be/HvHW4H9HBB4
SPECS:
Wire size: 0.36mm (27 AWG)
Antenna Coil: 43T total. 15 right side, 28 left side.
Antenna Coil diameter OD: 44mm (1.73") ID: 40.5mm (1.63")
Antenna Coil Length: 16.45mm (0.65")
Main Coil: 114T total. 34T right side, 80 left side.
Main Coil diameter OD: 39.67mm (1.56")
Main Coil Length: 42.9mm (1.69")
All coils wrapped same direction
Variable Capacitor I used: 2 gangs of 365 pF, together ranging from 14 pF to 730 pF
NOTE: Main coil is physically wrapped opposite the diagram on the main coil (34T & 80T are reversed)
Disclaimer: This information is presented as entertainment only on an "as is" basis and any use the viewer makes of it is solely up to them, and it is their responsibility to determine if the information remains current and if it is applicable to their situation. The viewer is responsible for any and all safety involving this. Viewing this video is the viewer's agreement to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, stop now.
#CrystalRadio #DIYElectronics #VintageRadio #RadioKitReview
Tried out some new online websites and found this crystal radio. It was rather pricey at $31, plus it lacked a base, variable cap, earphone, and some other small items. The screws are steel, so dissimilar metal corrosion will be an issue. Also, the main coil was not wound to the diagram printed on the main coil. Not sure about this.
In this Crystal Radio – 1 Variable Capacitor + Variable Coupling build review, we go through the assembly and testing of a $31 crystal radio kit I found online, and why I can’t recommend it. From missing essential components like the coil wound backwards that severely impacts coupling and tuning, this project is a cautionary tale. We test the set using my bench capacitor, oscilloscope, and standard antenna/ground setup, evaluate its sensitivity and selectivity, and point out critical mechanical issues like steel-on-copper corrosion and wear-prone sliding coil couplers. Some hints on what to check before buying a crystal radio kit, how coil winding orientation affects performance, and why proper materials and assembly matter for long-term reliability. If you’re into DIY electronics, vintage radio restoration, or simply want to avoid costly mistakes when shopping online, this video will save you time, money, and frustration.
RELATED VIDEOS:
Crystal Radio--1 Cap, Variable Coupled FOLLOW-UP Fix?
youtu.be/HvHW4H9HBB4
SPECS:
Wire size: 0.36mm (27 AWG)
Antenna Coil: 43T total. 15 right side, 28 left side.
Antenna Coil diameter OD: 44mm (1.73") ID: 40.5mm (1.63")
Antenna Coil Length: 16.45mm (0.65")
Main Coil: 114T total. 34T right side, 80 left side.
Main Coil diameter OD: 39.67mm (1.56")
Main Coil Length: 42.9mm (1.69")
All coils wrapped same direction
Variable Capacitor I used: 2 gangs of 365 pF, together ranging from 14 pF to 730 pF
NOTE: Main coil is physically wrapped opposite the diagram on the main coil (34T & 80T are reversed)
Disclaimer: This information is presented as entertainment only on an "as is" basis and any use the viewer makes of it is solely up to them, and it is their responsibility to determine if the information remains current and if it is applicable to their situation. The viewer is responsible for any and all safety involving this. Viewing this video is the viewer's agreement to these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, stop now.
#CrystalRadio #DIYElectronics #VintageRadio #RadioKitReview
