CLEANING CRYSTALS

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 48, 15 June 1928, Page 16

CLEANING CRYSTALS

AN BEFICIENT METHOD. Dust, although invisible to the eye, collects on all open crystals, and great. ly reduces the yolume of reception. What is the best way te clean’ tie crystal of a crystal detector? Never use water as a cleansing medix um for crystals. If a crystal is of the detachable type (that is, one that can be removed from the containing cup after the small setscew is looseued), take it from the cup. It will be wise to provide yourself with a pair of loug-nose pliers or some similar tool for handling the crystal after it is cleaned, as the oil from the hands makes a coating on the erystal, which reduces its electrical efficiency. After the crystal is removed, dip a small, clean brush into some alcohol and with this remove as much of the rust on the erystal as possible. Allow this to dry thoroughly and then repeat the operation to insure that the crystal shall be as clean as possible. Then, with the long-nose pliers, replace the crystal in the cup and tighten the setscrew, If your, crystal detector is not provided with a glass cylinder, protectin the crystal from dust and dirt, it wil be a good idea to clean your crystal every three of four weeks, to insure. good reception at ail times; for nothing will reduce the ¢fficiency of a crys{tal detector like dust,