Crystal Radio Detector

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  • Details
  • Description
Date Introduced
1920 ca.
Photographer
Richards, Mark
Dimensions
in box: 1 3/4 in x 1 3/4 in x 2 3/4 in
Manufacturer
Philmore Manufacturing Company
Credit Line
Gift of Len Shustek
Copyright Owner
© Mark Richards
Object ID
102711521

The first commercial semiconductor device, a crystal radio detector diode, was commonly known as a “cat’s whisker” detector. Vacuum tubes eventually replaced it in most radio applications, thanks to their more predictable operating characteristics.