Here is a list of ideas for our first project: Build Your Own Radio Receiver. Ideally we want to see if we can figure out how to do this as CHEAPLY and as EASILY as possible. Thanks to Jake for #2 and #3. Other ideas for radios are welcome! Christian
I. Foxhole Radio
Using only wire, razor blade, pencil stub, safety pin, tacks, paperclips, and a toilet paper tube...
Video:
http://www.makezine.com/blog
PDF instructions:
http://cachefly.oreilly.com
II. Radio Out of Household Items
This website offers several ideas on how to make a radio. The sections "radio out of household items" and "quick and simple radio" might be of particular interest.
http://sci-toys.com/scitoys
III. The Simplest AM Receiver
The next site discusses how you might make a very simple receiver without even a tuner. However, you have to be very close to the transmitter for it to work (they suggest within 1 mile).
http://electronics.howstuffwork
IV. Kit Radios
Radio Shack Electronics 202 Snap-Kit
Radio Shack Web Site
See also: PDF of user's guide:
http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics
The AM Radio Experiment Kit
http://www.amazon.com/Elenco
http://www.amazon.com/Natural
No one will probably read this, but you might want to bring a battery (AAA, whatever) to class as this will really help your radio building.