Crystal Radio Hackathon

Sat, Aug 1 · 10:00am —

Sun, Aug 2 · 5:00pm

Hosted by

19/20 spots left

RSVPs closed Sat, Aug 1st

SUMMARY FOR CRYSTAL RADIO WORKSHOPS: Joe Davis and Eric Begleiter, current fellows of the Temporary Institute for Unification of Knowledge, will be leading a special, limited enrollment "Crystal Radio Hackathon" in studios and workshops at Temporary Institute's Central Square location over the weekend of 01-02 August 2026. Organized as a complement to the simultaneous Crystal Radio art exhibition, Temporary Institute's Crystal Radio Hackathon. will guide participants in construction of their own crystal radio sets with special emphasis on the use of materials not generally associated with electronics. Many requisite tools and materials will be provided. The Crystal Radio Hackathon will include both overview of the invention and history of radio as well as hands-on workshops. Temporary Institute is suggesting modest donations from Hackathon participants, but cash prizes will be awarded for the most creative and imaginative designs. Participation will be limited to 20 "Crystal Radio Hackathoners" on a first-come basis. Given sufficient over-enrollment, a second set of workshops may be offered later in August. Contact: info@temporaryinstitute.org Antenna: A long wire used to capture passing radio frequency (RF) signals. Tuning Circuit: A coil of wire (inductor) and often a variable capacitor that resonates at the specific frequency of a local AM station you want to hear. Detector (Crystal): Histori- cally, this was a crystalline mineral (like galena) paired with a thin wire called a "cat's whisker". Today, a germanium or silicon diode is used instead. The crystal/diode acts as a semiconductor, rectifying the alternating current (AC) radio signal into direct current (DC) pulses. This extracts the audio frequency (the voice or music) from the carrier wave. Ground: A connection to the Earth (such as a cold water pipe or a metal stake in the ground) to provide a return path for the electrical current. History Crystal radios extremely popular during the early days of broadcast radio in the 1910s and 1920s. Because rural areas in North America often lacked electricity, these "battery-less" receivers an invaluable way for farmers and families to tune into weather, grain reports, and entertainment. Building and Kits Building a crystal radio is a classic electronics project for students and hobbyists. You can easily construct one from scratch using household items, or purchase a pre-made kit. Kits range from simple replicas that use modern diodes to authentic "cat's whisker" models that let you search the surface of a germanium crystal for a signal. If you are interested in trying to assemble a kit or source parts yourself, there are several educational re- sources and sellers to choose from: Read the Science Buddies Project Guide to a step-by-step breakdown of a school-friend- ly crystal radio circuit. Explore vintage-style sat United Nuclear Scientific Supplies, which offers kits ranging from modern- diode versions to authentic cat's whisker setups.