Just aquired one. And, know that a good antenna -ground system is very important. But, am wondering. Could the crytal lose some sensitivity over time. And, can it replaced? This one comes out very easily, with a small bolt on the side.
thanks

:Just aquired one. And, know that a good antenna -ground system is very important. But, am wondering. Could the crytal lose some sensitivity over time. And, can it replaced? This one comes out very easily, with a small bolt on the side.
:thanks

Jack:
If you don't to be looking all over the galena crystal with the cat's whisker, you could hide a germanium diode (1N34 comes to mind) someplace, and always have a "hot" spot on the crystal set. But, yes there are places where you can still buy galena crystals on the internet.
Lewis
:

::Just aquired one. And, know that a good antenna -ground system is very important. But, am wondering. Could the crytal lose some sensitivity over time. And, can it replaced? This one comes out very easily, with a small bolt on the side.
::thanks
:
:
:Jack:
:If you don't to be looking all over the galena crystal with the cat's whisker, you could hide a germanium diode (1N34 comes to mind) someplace, and always have a "hot" spot on the crystal set. But, yes there are places where you can still buy galena crystals on the internet.
:Lewis
::
:
:
thanks

The crystal really doesn't "lose sensitivity" but its surface can become dirty or oxidized and thus its rectifying action is impaired. In the old days, the fix for a "dead crystal" was to remove the lump of crystal and dip it in carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tet is an insidiously toxic chemical and hasn't been available to the average consumer for decades. However, a powerful degreaser that leaves no residue such as automobile brake cleaner should have the same effect. Don't touch the crystal with your fingers after cleaning or you will contaminate it again.

:The crystal really doesn't "lose sensitivity" but its surface can become dirty or oxidized and thus its rectifying action is impaired. In the old days, the fix for a "dead crystal" was to remove the lump of crystal and dip it in carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tet is an insidiously toxic chemical and hasn't been available to the average consumer for decades. However, a powerful degreaser that leaves no residue such as automobile brake cleaner should have the same effect. Don't touch the crystal with your fingers after cleaning or you will contaminate it again.
:

CV, thanks
think my biggest problem is a good antenna ground system.

::The crystal really doesn't "lose sensitivity" but its surface can become dirty or oxidized and thus its rectifying action is impaired. In the old days, the fix for a "dead crystal" was to remove the lump of crystal and dip it in carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tet is an insidiously toxic chemical and hasn't been available to the average consumer for decades. However, a powerful degreaser that leaves no residue such as automobile brake cleaner should have the same effect. Don't touch the crystal with your fingers after cleaning or you will contaminate it again.
::
:
:CV, thanks
:think my biggest problem is a good antenna ground system.

Jack:
I would reccomend a hundred foot long wire and a water pipe ground. That worked fine for me in my younger days.
Lewis
: