Another Parallel-tuned Air-core Coil Crystal Radio

A 7" long, 2" diameter PVC pipe doubles as coil former and enclosure for this crystal radio. A couple of white plastic cosmetic jar covers serve as the end caps.

Parallel-tuned Air-core Coil 
Crystal Radio

The coil is (280 + 40) turns of 30 SWG enamelled copper wire, close-wound as shown. The PVC variable capacitor is mounted on one of the end caps.

The OA79 diode feeds a pair of sensitive balanced-armature phones.

Parallel-tuned Air-core Coil
Crystal Radio - Schematic

Using a wire antenna 60' long, reception of the 612 kHz - 200 kW local AM broadcast station is quite good. Headphone current, measured using a 1mA FSD 60 Ω meter, is 350 μA.

Related post: Colourful Parallel-tuned Air-core Coil Crystal Radio

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