Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I measured all my current crystal radios and put together the outcomes of inductance, capacitance, impedance, coil size, coil len/dia ratios, Q, etc.
I'm still looking at this for patterns on what makes for a good crystal radio (coil).
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
In this video, we will look into the measured parameters of various crystal radios to compare coil inductance, capacitance, resistance, Q factor, turns, wire gauge, and more, in an effort to understand what really makes one design perform better than another. From the dual wiper radio with excellent selectivity and sensitivity to simpler Boy Scout and hoop designs, we break down coil geometry, wire size, and tuning configurations to see how they affect reception, loudness, and separation. While tests show that high Q values and larger wire generally lead to stronger performance, there are exceptions that raise questions for further DIY experimentation. If you’re into DIY electronics, crystal radios, vintage radio builds, or hands-on science projects, I’d love your feedback—look over the data and share your thoughts in the comments to help uncover new insights into crystal radio design.
RELATED VIDEOS (including this one):
Crystal Radio--Basic Designing youtu.be/SSERdfAjl8g
Crystal Radio--Hi Q Hoop Coil--Copper vs Litz youtu.be/MA2A-mntyM0
Which Crystal Radio To Build? youtu.be/f54BfiRNH9I
Crystal Radio--No More Variable Capacitor Designs? youtu.be/0AvTO588SyU
Crystal Radio-How To Make The Best/Easiest One - No Batteries, No External Power
youtu.be/fLVCqZGpv3U
Crystal Radio-Winding The Coil (ABRIDGED) youtu.be/q4qHss7fdn0
Crystal Radio--Parameter Comparison youtube.com/watch?v=ktjIqaO0GXM
#CrystalRadio #DIYElectronics #RadioExperiment #MakerCommunity
I measured all my current crystal radios and put together the outcomes of inductance, capacitance, impedance, coil size, coil len/dia ratios, Q, etc.
I'm still looking at this for patterns on what makes for a good crystal radio (coil).
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
In this video, we will look into the measured parameters of various crystal radios to compare coil inductance, capacitance, resistance, Q factor, turns, wire gauge, and more, in an effort to understand what really makes one design perform better than another. From the dual wiper radio with excellent selectivity and sensitivity to simpler Boy Scout and hoop designs, we break down coil geometry, wire size, and tuning configurations to see how they affect reception, loudness, and separation. While tests show that high Q values and larger wire generally lead to stronger performance, there are exceptions that raise questions for further DIY experimentation. If you’re into DIY electronics, crystal radios, vintage radio builds, or hands-on science projects, I’d love your feedback—look over the data and share your thoughts in the comments to help uncover new insights into crystal radio design.
RELATED VIDEOS (including this one):
Crystal Radio--Basic Designing youtu.be/SSERdfAjl8g
Crystal Radio--Hi Q Hoop Coil--Copper vs Litz youtu.be/MA2A-mntyM0
Which Crystal Radio To Build? youtu.be/f54BfiRNH9I
Crystal Radio--No More Variable Capacitor Designs? youtu.be/0AvTO588SyU
Crystal Radio-How To Make The Best/Easiest One - No Batteries, No External Power
youtu.be/fLVCqZGpv3U
Crystal Radio-Winding The Coil (ABRIDGED) youtu.be/q4qHss7fdn0
Crystal Radio--Parameter Comparison youtube.com/watch?v=ktjIqaO0GXM
#CrystalRadio #DIYElectronics #RadioExperiment #MakerCommunity
