Variable Caps

[Bill Layer]

Hi Jason,

 >I'm having trouble finding some parts, maybe one of you can help me.  I am
>looking for variable capacitors. Not just any variable capacitor, but ones
>that can be turned like a pot.  Ones large enough to attach a knob to and
>allow realtime control of it.  I have found an abundance of surface/pc
>mount and medium sized ones, but nothing to really fit my current project.
>Right now, I'm not concerned about which values of caps, but just where I
>can find them.  By the way, I am in the US, so a distributor/manufacturer
>in the US would be a plus.  Thanks guys, I know you'll come through for me.

Expensive stuff you want here. But maybe not... This is HAM stuff.

Have you considered pulling apart an old AM tube-type radio? These
universally (well, almost universally, excepting the slug-tuned units) have
a 2 or three section air-variable cap, usually with attached trimmers.
Since they tuned the set directly, they generally have the standard 1/4"
shaft, usually with the D-style or spline shape. Typical values I recall
are 120-300pF per section>

This type of cap mounts via screws, or tapped holes, to a (metal) chassis.

Hit the Salvation Army or Goodwill, or wait for a garage sale.

Hope this helps.

 
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
<b.layer at vikingelectronics.com>

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Viking Electronics, Inc.
Hudson, WI. U.S.A
715.386.8861 (ext. 210)
<http://www.vikingelectronics.com>
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