WHY CRYSTAL SETS
By Elmer Osterhoudt
In order to properly build
sets, and understand the more complicated theories of Radio, one must start
from the bottom and work up. One must learn the ‘why’ of Radio (theory) as one advances
– not that such and such happens if I “connect a wire here, etc.” but why? If
you learn the theory as you advance, you can immediately tell by looking at a
circuit if it will work or not – and how well. The Crystal set is the best and
only way to start. Many a fellow quit Radio in disgust because he started with
a 10 – tube Bloop – a - dyne instead of first starting at the other end of the
game and working up to it. If he did this – he would be more interested in
Radio than ever.
Therefore, I can advise anyone that the best introduction to theory, Amateur Radio, commercial, broadcast work, receiving sets, servicing, etc. is via the humble Crystal set. Don’t think it is too easy – as here is a field in experimenting with Xtal sets that has never been touched by modern Radio principles. You can make a Crystal set almost as complicated as a tube set – if you have the knowledge, time and patience to work it out.
Recently there has been a tremendous revival of interest in Crystal sets, and they are now being built by beginners and professionals by the hundreds…
Excerpt from page 3 of: Facts for Crystal Experimenters