WShoots1 ) writes:
To go higher in frequency would require a diode capable of higher frequency.

My first crystal set, a Philmore, used a galena detector. My second one used an
out of spec microwave diode (1N23). G

Of course, a real problem with a "crystal radio" is that it's only got
one tuned circuit at the front end. Long before the diode becomes an issue,
the fact that that single tuned circuit will be pretty wide as you go up
in frequency will be a significant factor. Even at AM broadcast frequencies,
the selectivity of most "crystal radios" is marginal.

On the other hand, selectivity may not be a real issue as you move up in
frequency, since sensitivity is also an issue with "crystal radios". They
work with local stations because those stations are relatively strong.
Move higher than 1600KHz, the top of the AM broadcast band, and most people
will not come across local stations, so anything that is heard will be weak,
and have to be a pretty strong signal to begin with. In that context,
selectivity may not be a real issue, since there will only be a handful
of signals that can be received anyway.

Michael