A Beginner's Two-Component Crystal-Style Wi-Fi Detector

Post by avidiax » Sat, Jan 03, 2026, 9:30 AM UTC

ifh-hn wrote: post #10

avidiax wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Faster diode, like HSMS-2850 [1], and different leg lengths (tune for 5Ghz). [1] https://datasheet4u.com/pdf-down/H/S/M/HSMS-2862_AgilentTech...

Thanks. Appreciate the reply. From a brief look that might detect 2.4ghz too? Really wish I was clever enough to do electronics!

Post by pixelpoet » Sat, Jan 03, 2026, 10:07 AM UTC

ifh-hn wrote: post #12

avidiax wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Depends on the length of the antenna. I'd bet you can get a length close enough to be a quarter-wave 5Ghz and 1/2-wave 2.4ghz antenna. Just buy a 2.4/5Ghz combo antenna and slap the diodes across it.

I love simple solution like this. It'd be cool just wandering around being able to detect mobile and stuff with a tiny led. This sort of thing is definitely why I come the HN.

Post by ifh-hn » Sat, Jan 03, 2026, 10:56 AM UTC

pixelpoet wrote: post #13

ifh-hn wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I love simple solution like this. It'd be cool just wandering around being able to detect mobile and stuff with a tiny led. This sort of thing is definitely why I come the HN.

Just curious, what does your username stand for? :D

Post by KaiserPro » Sat, Jan 03, 2026, 11:53 AM UTC

jqpabc123 wrote: post #2

Can this be used to detect radiation escaping a microwave oven? A friend of mine has a microwave that noticeably degrades his wifi when it is in use.

Post by ninalanyon » Sat, Jan 03, 2026, 1:04 PM UTC

ifh-hn wrote: post #7

So the question is how to do similar for 5ghz?