Air Variable Tuning Capacitors

[KD0DQL]

I am planning to build the No Excuses QRP transceiver and am not sure where to locate the correct air variable capacitors for tuning. As a complete novice (except for a couple of smaller projects) I am not sure if any tuning capacitor is appropriate. Ocean State Electronics had the parts that I needed, but because of service related issues with the company (or rather a complete lack of service) I need to find a different supplier. I need two capacitors - 4-50 pF(OSE part number AVC50), and 6- 150 pF (AVC150). I am giving the OSE part numbers to give you a clearer idea of what I want. (BTW, I need the second capacitor for a different project).

I did check several companies fromm ARRL site but was still not sure if the few I found were suitable.

What a shame - I had ordered everything for the radio through OSE to the tune of over $150.00 and they completely blew me off. I thought I had the perfect project because all of the part numbers were right there and I didn't have to question whether the parts I was purchasing were the correct parts.

Thanks

Dan

[KL7AJ]

I am planning to build the No Excuses QRP transceiver and am not sure where to locate the correct air variable capacitors for tuning. As a complete novice (except for a couple of smaller projects) I am not sure if any tuning capacitor is appropriate. Ocean State Electronics had the parts that I needed, but because of service related issues with the company (or rather a complete lack of service) I need to find a different supplier. I need two capacitors - 4-50 pF(OSE part number AVC50), and 6- 150 pF (AVC150). I am giving the OSE part numbers to give you a clearer idea of what I want. (BTW, I need the second capacitor for a different project).

I did check several companies fromm ARRL site but was still not sure if the few I found were suitable.

What a shame - I had ordered everything for the radio through OSE to the tune of over $150.00 and they completely blew me off. I thought I had the perfect project because all of the part numbers were right there and I didn't have to question whether the parts I was purchasing were the correct parts.

Thanks

Dan

Howdy:

A good source for air variable caps (which I'm sure you discovered are becoming quite rare) is Midnight Science. www.midnightscience.com

Eric

[AB9LZ]

A trip to the local "junque" store netted two "all american 5" am radios for $5. The lady even cautioned me "You know, it says on the tag that they don't work".

The air variables, tubes, sockets, (audio) transformers are a goldmine of parts. If only I could find a really old TV, unfortunately, those were sent to the dump decades ago, the newer ones aren't worth parting out.

73 m/4

[K8ERV]

What cap values do you need? If not too high, I may have some.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[W4HAY]

RF Parts has a good selection.

They're not cheap, since many are not being made anymore. They're a very labor-intensive device. I know -- I used to work for Hammarlund.

Your best bet will be at hamfests. You'll often find boxes of used ones at reasonable prices. Hint: the real treasures are often found in those ratty old boxes under the tables.

[KB9BVN]

I just bought several of these, and I am very happy with the construction and the price was $9 each.

http://tinyurl.com/p6s2fo

73

[N0WVA]

Try Dans Small Parts and Kits, or heck, call Fair Radio, they usually have stuff not even in the catalog... Get to the hamfests!

[KD0DQL]

[QUOTE][What cap values do you need? If not too high, I may have some.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo ]

For the no excuses radio, they recommend 5-50 pF. The other project recommends 6-150 but it can go to 200 pF. They need shafts for the knobs. The 5-50 pF capacitor for which the OSE catalog was given in the article for the No Excuses radio has the following description (being new I don't know whats important or not so I'll give you everything) - single hole panel mount with Grade L4 ceramic. End shaft is insulated. Shaft is 1/4" dia X 1/2" long. Air gaps on plates are 0.16" and rated to 640 V.

[K8ERV]

I don't have any with insulated shafts, and the air gaps are much smaller, sorry.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[W4CBJ]

One of the biggest mistakes a newbie makes is to trying to duplicate needed parts EXACTLY. For good info on building small transmitters and receivers....get a copy of Lindsay Publishing Company catalog (on line). He has books very resonable. Much good info on homebrewing and parts selection. Simple (and yes, he is a Ham.) 73 Joe W4CBJ