Thanks. I have seen the multi-gang variable capacitors and was trying to see how I could apply them for this project. A switch, Dave, duh. That must be what the switch was for on the amp/tuner of my old Sanserino loop (double duh). I forget the ranges that it divided the AM band into but that makes perfect sense! Maybe I could cannibalize that....
I actually have an old hardly-working, Heathkit general coverage SW receiver that probably has a multi gang vc inside (I bought it years ago at a garage sale for $5 or $10). KEVIN: There is another "option" for your "Crate Loop" plans, a switched multi-gang vc! What equipment is needed to check the capacitance of a vc? Thanks again, Chris. 73 Dave in Indy -----Original Message----- From: Chris Knight [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 12:38 AM To: HASCALL, DAVID CIV DFAS; [email protected] Subject: RE: Antenna Projects (Crate Loop) MORE QUESTIONS Dave, EBay has been a pretty good source for wire. I usually buy spools of 1000' or less and dedicate some of them to antenna projects and others for Beverage Antennas, etc. An observation on "fine tuning": You'll notice the 0-365pF single gang capacitor is "touchier" when less capacitance is needed at the higher BCB frequencies. As you tune the loop for stations under 700kHz it becomes easier to tune and a lot less touchy. So, what I've done in the past is use a multi-gang capacitor such as the C-V365-X3 available at Antique Electronic Supply http://www.tubesandmore.com/ for $26.96. You can tie 2 of the gangs together in parallel and switch them in using a toggle-type switch or you can switch each gang in individually as needed using 2 switches. This gives each gang the full tuning "range" of the capacitor. Hence, you get better fine tuning. 73. Chris -----Original Message----- From: HASCALL, DAVID CIV DFAS [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 8:54 AM To: [email protected] Cc: Chris Knight; [email protected] Subject: RE: Antenna Projects (Crate Loop) MORE QUESTIONS Thanks Chris. I'm more reassured now, as it sounds like an amp is not a major necessity. Kevin, Chris and Everyone: 1. Where would be a good source of 16 or 18 ga single conductor, stranded wire? Since I'm not very handy I don't hang out at Home Depot, Menards or Lowes :) but I'm sure that type of store would be a best bet. How much would 120' or so run? 2. Where is a good place to find a "fine tuning" variable cap, if needed? I see some trimmer capacitors at All Electronics, 2 for a buck but they of course, do not have a long enough shaft. Here is another one: it's 0-160 / 0-60pf (combo, I guess) for $2.47 but it's tuning shaft is in the same boat. http://www.scitoyscatalog.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product _Code=VARICAP&Category_Code . Chris provided a link for ordering a 365pf variable cap. Unfortunately I disposed of two inoperable AM radios over the Summer and those would have surely led to a good main variable cap (and probably nice sized ferrite loopsticks). D'oh! 3. Again I'm not tech oriented so how do you determine the value of a variable cap? I don't think I have a VOM meter, if that can even be used to check but my son-in-law has a digital meter. I found what looked to be a good crate at Goodwill (my favorite store for finding neat DX stuff) but it was more like a milk crate - too heavy. I'll try to pick one up this weekend. Thanks for helping a low (no?) tech guy out. 73, Dave in Indy _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
