ECE 1100: Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering

1
ECE 1100 Introduction toElectrical and Computer
Engineering
Spring 2008
David R. Jackson Professor, ECE Dept.
Notes 8
Class Project
2
Class Project
To build and successfully demonstrate a crystal
radio.
Note We will be discussing the theory behind it
in class.
3
Schematic
4
Rules

• It should be a team project team size either 2
  or 3.
• The project must be demonstrated to the
  instructor. To get credit, it must work (the
  instructor must be able to hear at least one
  radio station.)
• The project must be finished and demonstrated by
  400 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. (Our last class
  day is Tuesday, April 29. Exam 3 is on Thursday,
  May 8, from 5-6 p.m.)
• Each team must turn in a piece of paper with the
  name of all team members, and a statement
  certifying that all team members participated in
  the project. This statement must be signed by all
  team members.

5
Instructions
Step 1 order a crystal radio kit
The kit can be ordered from Ramsey Electronics
(CS-2) for 9.95. Go to www.ramseykits.com (then
search for crystal radio).
The kit can be ordered from Elenco Electronics
(MX-901C) for 13.50. Go to www.elenco.com (then
go to Toy Division and then Radio Kits).
Note your kit does not have to be one of these
but it must be a crystal radio kit. You might be
able to also find it locally.
6
Project
This is what the kit would look like if it is
assembled using the included base but you will
not be using this for the project. You will be
using a breadboard.
Ramsey Electronics CS-2
7
Instructions
Step 2 Assemble the crystal radio

• The radio must be assembled on a breadboard.
• Your team should borrow a breadboard from the ECE
  shop (S386-D).
• Your team should also borrow a ground wire from
  the shop.

8
Breadboard
All of the holes in these top and bottom rows are
connected together (but each row is isolated from
the other rows and the columns).
All of the holes in a column are connected
together.
The columns are not connected across the gaps
9
Ordering Advice
If you order your kit online, order it early!
Sometimes there are delays in getting the kits
shipped. Your team is responsible for building
and demonstrating the project by the deadline.
10
Ownership
Your team may keep the kit if it wishes. However,
the breadboard and the ground wire should be
returned to the ECE shop.