Building a simple RF Detector

[sam3]

I have seen a RF detector made by using: a ohm meter touching the leads to two seperate zener diodes and hooking a antenna to the other side of the diodes. My question is: Can anyone give me advice on which type of zener diode would I use (v/ watt)? Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Super_voip]

depends on how simple, do you want a broad detection or just a narrow range of frequencies, keep in mind there a lot of transmitters around eg cell phones. For a narrow band detector, use 2 1/4 wave dipoles attached to a germanium diode isolated from the leads to the voltmeter by small air wound inductors.

 

[sam3]

What would you use for a broad detection? Thank you for your assistance.

 

[audioguru]

Broad detection? Hee, hee. Just look for broads.

Do you want to pickup every radio station, TV station and taxi cab radio in town all at the same time?

 

[kchriste]

You don't need a zener diode, but just a normal high speed diode. What you are trying to build is called a "Field Strength Meter". Some circuit examples:
**broken link removed**
https://www.electronics-lab.com/projects/science/007/index.html