160/80m Crystal Radio - Introduction

Joe, K8LKC, introduces his crystal radio capable of receiving CW and SSB signals on the 160 & 80 meter ham bands. Circuit uses variable capacitor tuning, high-Q coils with inductive coupling to a 1N34 diode detector. A Hartley beat-frequency oscilliator supplies an unmodulated local signal used to detect the CW/SSB signals. The product of the mixed local signal + incoming signal is audible at the speaker output. This was the first time I ever heard a crystal receiver circuit used to tune in ham radio signals! Next, I will post a more detailed sample of the quality of the received CW (Morse) signals!