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Electronics Workshop

Pick a project, study the schematic, grab the parts, and build it. Ten real DIY circuit projects from beginner to advanced — crystal radios, audio amps, FM transmitters, Tesla coils, speaker crossovers, two ham radio transceivers (CW and voice), a variable bench power supply, and an improvised survival lightbulb.

Projects

Crystal (AM) Radio

BEGINNERRF · RadioEst. $5–15

A diode AM radio with zero batteries — powered entirely by intercepted radio waves. One of the oldest electronic projects ever.

RadioRFNo power required

A radio that runs on nothing but the energy it pulls out of the air — no batteries, no power supply.

The crystal radio is the oldest electronic receiver design still in use. It works by intercepting the electromagnetic energy broadcast by AM radio stations and converting just enough of it into sound to hear through a sensitive earpiece. The signal itself powers the radio. It's a perfect first electronics project because every single component has a clear, audible job — and when it works, it feels like magic.

Range
Typically receives AM stations within 30–100 km during the day. At night, AM signals skip off the ionosphere and you can receive stations hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Power required
None — zero batteries. The radio is powered entirely by the energy of the radio waves it intercepts. Stronger antenna = more signal = louder audio.
What you hear
Standard AM broadcast stations (540–1700 kHz). News, talk radio, sports — whatever is broadcasting in your area.
License required?
No. You are only receiving, not transmitting. Anyone can build and use a crystal radio.
Best time to listen
Nighttime. AM signals travel much farther after dark because the ionosphere reflects them differently. You may hear stations from across the country.
Why build it?
It teaches LC tuning circuits, diode detection, and impedance matching — concepts used in every radio ever built. If you understand this circuit, you understand the foundation of all wireless technology.
ANTL190t / ferriteC1365 pFD11N34A🎧hi-Z earpieceGND = earth stake or cold water pipe

Schematic — click Build Steps for assembly instructions