'Old Time' Crystal Radio Kit

This little project is a sure interest grabber with students of electronics of any age! Recommended for Boy Scout Merit Badge and Cub Scout Activity for requirements. It does not require a great amount of skill, but a little application will produce a good basic radio receiver. Construction is fairly simple. This radio DOES NOT require batteries to operate; rather, it uses simple electrical principles to power itself. It does not include the Double Headset shown but does include a Crystal Earphone. Tuning is done by rubbing a piece of metal (large paper clip included in kit) across the coil of wire which is wrapped around a toilet paper tube. The best antenna for this radio is simply a really long wire, mounted as high above the ground as you can make it. Though sometimes just connecting the antenna lead to a bed spring can bring surprising results, especially in city areas, or close in to a transmitter station in the country.