[Elecraft] I Hate Winding Toroids

[Tim Payne]

So, I came up with an easier, more consistent method of winding
them.  Before, I used to stumble, by putting the ferrite
in a vice, holding it in my hand, and several other failed
attempts which I'm really too embarrassed to detail.

I kept envisioning how it would be wound by machine.

I never figured that part out, but came upon a simple economic
solution.  A 50 cent dowel at the local hobby shop and a vice.

The first problem to overcome was the correct diameter of the
dowel. Too big and the toroid would flop all over the place and
if too small, it would get stuck.  While I never came up with
a scientific formula to determine the correct size, I sort of
guessed the fit.  In this example, I found that when using a
FT-37-43 (red) ferrite, a 3/16" dowel worked fine.

I cut about a 3 1/2" piece of the dowel, tapered the top
slightly (crudely) to allow for wire constriction as the
toroid was wound.  I also played with a slight notch
around the circumference for the more densely wound
toroids.

While winding, the area between the ferrite and the dowel
would diminish quickly so do to the taper of the dowel, It
was easy to slide the toroid up a little as necessary.

I thought of using a piece of tooled, sanded plexiglas
or metal as the form but felt that enamel chaffing might
occur more than desired.  Wood being soft and cheap
seemed more appropriate.

You are also able to torque the windings slightly better
to achieve a more consistent form.

This is my first donation of my experiences with this
group and hopefully it won't be my last.  One thing
is for sure.  Whether you agree or not that the Elecraft
experience is good or bad, it dramatically increase your
enlightenment of electronic assembly and fabrication
and the pride that you're not just an appliance operator
anymore.

If you want to see more, check out my web location
for images of the Winding Form:

http://home.comcast.net/~tim.payne/index.html


Thanks Eric and Wayne for a great product !!!

-Tim Payne
-N9ABK
-Eagan, Mn






Tim Payne  --  tim.payne@comcast.net