FM Crystal Radio?

Larry writes -

I have heard, even from a physicist, that it is impossible to build FM crystal radios. On the other hand some experimenters claim that they have built them. This argument intrigued me to try and build an FM crystal radio, which I have done successfully. To my surprise, the result is an astounding performer, pulling in four local stations in Tucson. When connected as a receiver to a good sound system the sound fidelity is as good or better than more expensive AM radios. In fact, it sounds “high-fidelity”.

FM Crystal Radio, thanks Pekar! – Link.

Bart Simpson gets Steamed!

From MiniatureBrainwave:
Husband and wife team – Angel Tan and Justin Volpe created this steampunk piece for the custom Bart Simpson art exhibit held at theshowroomnyc this weekend. Known as the B.A.R.T. (Biomechanical Artificial Roving Terrain), this work is a shoutout to the steampunk esthetic.

Steampunk Bart Simpson – Link

Foxhole Radio Making Projects.

How you like a home made radio? Let start from stratch.

Watch the video – Link
Read the PDF instructions – Link

Watch Out for Chip Bugs!

Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories writes -

If you work with electronics, you have probably at some point come across chips that have gone bad. The usual strategies to deal with these include

(1) writing “DEAD?” on them in large letters

(2) throwing them out, and

(3) hiding the evidence.

I once heard about a lab student who, whenever he came across a dead chip in his circuit, would dutifully file it back in the drawer with the new chips of that variety– just in case it turned out to be good after all.

Here’s an alternative solution: Turn your chips into Chip Bugs: cute, tiny sculptures that leave no doubt as to which components are which.

One minute project “Chip bugs” – Link.

Tri-Core Processors from AMD

AMD, in a move to differentiate their processor line, has decided to begin selling three core processors. Is it weird? A little. But customers will see speed boosts. And, as the Inquirer points out, the tri-core could allow AMD to salvage bad quad-core chips while offering consumers a wide range of models at various pricepoints.

AMD also went on record with the statement, “Seriously, who doesn’t want a threesome? You never hear people asking for a foursome. It’s the threesome that’s all the rage.” OK, they may not have actually said that.

Link: [theinquirer]

Tiny Ear Phone.

Like small things? Really small things? Things that are so small you might lose them easily? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then we’ve got the totally ill-riffic earphones for you. Those tiny (but not tinny, apparently) q-Jays earbuds we told you about back in August have officially hit the scene — so all that money saving you’ve been doing can be put to good use. The buds may be small, but apparently their sound is anything but, touting dual micro armatures, JAYS Sound Isolating System, a sensitivity of 95 dB @ 1 kHz, impedance of 39 Ohms @ 1 kHz, and a frequency response from 20Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds come with a slew of accessories, including an I- and L-shaped connector, seven silicon ear sleeves, four canal filters, an airline adapter, a stereo splitter (for two-person use), and a carrying case. The tiny wonders can be yours in black or white right now, for the low, low price of $179.