Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

hi, i am doing a science fair and i have almost everything done, i made a crystal radio and the radio wont pick up and stations i think i did averything correctly, the only difference is that the enamel wire is not insulated, is that a problem...also would it have somthin to do with the qround wire i dont have one if i need one how can i get it and what eles could be rong with the prject PLZ HELP ME

Hi scienceDude.

To answer questions:
1. The coil wire needs to be seperated to prevent a "short circuit"
and the enamled wire provides this.
2. You need a very good ground for this type of radio to work.
You can attach a wire lead for the ground to a water pipe if the
underground pipe is copper or galvanized or any metal pipe.
3. You have to have a good outside antenna to receive radio signals.
You can try clipping a wire lead to a long wire antenna run between
two objects like trees or an object that does not conduct electric signals.

You should view the Science Buddies Project Ideas for this if you haven't already:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... ?from=Home


I hope this helps.

Good Luck!