what is the difference between a crystal radio and basic radio?

Answer 1

BATTERIES±±

a crystal set uses the energy in the radio waves to produce the sound through high impedance headphones without external electrical power. a normal set uses valves (?) or transistors to amplify the radio wave then turn it into an electric signal strong enough to power a loudspeaker by use of external electrical power.

you cant listen to a crystal set with friends its a very solitary and crackly affair!!

Answer 2

Crystal radios and "basic radios" can hear the same broadcasts therefore the main difference is in how the signal (from the transmitter) is detected. The crystal radio uses a germanium diode to convert an AC signal to DC (rectify). In old sets, a steel whisker was rested on the crystal and the tiny power signal picked up by the antenna could pass through the whisker in only one direction. The signal had to be tuned (resonated) and amplified (without batteries) using fine wire coils in the earphone(s). In a basic radio a heterodyne system is used to compare the signal with a steady oscillation to detect a wave variation in the audio range, using battery or AC power and vacuum tubes (now transistors). Hope that helps a little.

Answer 3

Not clear by what you mean by "basic radio."

A crystal set uses no applied power from the AC line or batteries. A tuned circuit (a capacitor and inductor) select a radio signal and a diode made from a crystal, a metal point contact, or a low-voltage semiconductor detects the signal (typically AM).

Other types of receivers include Tuned Radio Frequency (TRF) which you might think of as an amplified crystal set. The most common type of receiver is a superheterodyne. In this receiver, a local oscillator produces a signal that is mixed with the incoming signal prior to detection. There are many variations on this scheme including direct conversion (mixing to audio frequencies), and multiple conversions (for improved selectivity and image rejection).

Another reciever type sometimes used is the regenerative. This simple reciever takes advantage of the fact that an oscillator is a form of an amplifier with infinite gain at one frequency. By taking an oscillator and "detuning" it slightly, a very selective high gain amplifier is formed.

Answer 4

A crystal set uses the energy in the radio waves to produce the sound through high impedance headphones without external electrical power.maybe a transistor radio

Answer 5

The difference is that in regular radios the oscillator is made with coils and transistors, and the crystal -using its natural properties- oscillates with no need of a coil, and it's more stable.

Answer 6

Although the question has received a couple of good answers you might also like to read this write-up http://www.davidbridgen.com/mixers.htm