One of the advantages of the Cigar Box Crystal radio is that is does not need an outdoor antenna and ground rod. For a young scientist, it would be a major feat and cost to string up a 140 foot antenna outside and then also drive a copper rod 10 feet into the ground. For most kids, that would never happen. However, a loop antenna around a cigar box crystal radio is an alternative. However, the signal will need to be amplified
at the speaker.