Impressive Tuner Coil

Technology

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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May 8th, 2011 2

Craig Smith of Firefly Workshop (South Milwaukee, WI)

With my crystal radio projects, I recently made a dual coil variometer tuner. Connected to a diode, crystal earphone, antenna & ground wires (no batteries) I tuned in 1540 KXCL Waterloo Iowa from 270 miles away here in Milwaukee. The coils were wound on a segment of thinwall 3” PVC, and a segment of 2” PVC coupler. My antenna is a 35’ wire running out my window and atop my fence. I am amazed of the performance of simple scrap materials put together just right. www.crystalradio.net is the best resource for beginners and experts.