Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket, 1906-1916

Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket

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Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Silicon crystal for wireless telegraphy, mounted in a locket, unknown maker, England, 1906-1916

Silicon crystals were often used in early wireless telegraphy sets. This piece of silicon was used as a detector in the wireless telegraph installation aboard the SS Nonsuch, the first British cargo ship to be equipped with such an instrument. On 16 September 1910, the ship received a signal from the North Foreland Wireless Station off the coast of Kent while near Monaco - a distance of 940 nautical miles.

Details

Category:
Radio Communication
Object Number:
1916-73
Materials:
glass, brass (copper, zinc alloy), metal (unknown) and silicon
Measurements:
overall: 30 mm diameter, .013 kg
type:
crystal
credit:
Donated by G Langton