[Elecraft] Tools and construction

Don Wilhelm Don Wilhelm" <[email protected]
Wed Oct 8 09:18:00 2003


Gary,

I don't think I would even try using Q-dope to 'fix the first turn' of the
toroids.  To accomplish that, one would have to put that first turn in place
and keep it there until the Q-dope cures (at least overnight - sufficiently
cured takes a lot longer than just drying).  Even at that, I doubt that it
would stay in place during the winding process.

Winding toroids is not very difficult, but one does have to develop a bit of
'technique' and does include some manual dexterity level.  I put the first
turn through the core and just hold it there as I put additional turns on -
after about 5 turns, it is easy to go back to the beginning turn and snug it
up if required.  With toroids requiring more than about 10 turns, I tend to
start in the middle of the wire anyway - wind half the turns, then turn the
toroid over and continue from the middle again to complete the winding.
When I do start in the middle, I have to 'keep my head on straight' in
counting the turns - I find it easy to inadvertently end up with an extra
turn.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 
|
| Yesterday, AG4KU (Scott) recommended the Morse Express ceramic alignment
tool SET.  It looks very nice, but I got the single alignment tool from the
same place at the first of the year. I     still haven't gotten around to
putting my 3000+ K2/100 together,
| but still look forward to getting the time to do that!  Is there    any
adjustment that can't be done with the tool I already have?       It has a
0.4 to 2mm tapered tip.  I realize it is more likely to break.
|
| Another question I have is about the "q-dope" that is also sold by Morse
Express.  Would this be helpful in affixing the first turn of
| wire to the core in winding toroids?  Also, I recall that a few months ago
"liquid insulation" was discussed as a neater substitute than electrical
tape under L33.  I was never able to find such a substance sold by any of
the major suppliers.  Would this "q-dope" do the job?
|