Hi friends. I haven't finalized this design but I am putting it up here for you all to see how I am wasting my time. This is my experimental version of a catswhisker detector. This replaces the diodes that I have been putting in my crystal sets.

It is built on a scrap piece of wood. Other parts include a 2-1/2 inch by 3/8 inch brass strip bent in a U shape. 3 holes are then drilled. A brass outer cup holds the galena cup. There is a hole in the bottom to fasten it to the wood. Also included is a small brass ball. These are sold at Lowes and other places for lamp nuts. I drilled the hole all the way through the ball so the threaded rod could pass through it. The brass rod with an 8-32 thread to match the ball thread is cut to around 2 inches long. Also there is a catswhisker (an expensive coiled wire). Most important is a chunk of galena crystal mounted in a little brass cup. This sets in the larger brass cup. The wood knob was found at Michaels. Got a whole bag of them for a buck!

I connected this detector in place of the diode on my #12 set. This was the easiest set to modify as the diode was connected with a couple of thumb nuts. Before I took out the diode, I tuned in the local station so I could then start probing around on the rock for a signal. Anyway, as I build a nicer one, this page will be replaced with the new pictures and description



Dave