[Elecraft] RE:Slightly off top amp question (David Douglass)

[Vic K2VCO]

David Douglass wrote:

> On closer inspection I have so far found 2 ceramic door knob capacitors that
> were falling apart !! These were not in the input coil alignment section,
> but near the valves and band-switch in the amp.

These are probably padders to supply more capacity to either the tune or 
load capacitors on 80 and 160 meters.  If they are broken, it might be 
hard to resonate the output circuit on these bands which would cause 
problems with input SWR and of course power output.

> For you RF guru's out there... I have a couple of questions..

> 1. Is it possible to solder these capacitors back together ? They are the
> flatter type doorknob caps and basically what has happened with both of them
> is that the one of the screw housings has fallen off the side of each cap
> (hope this makes sense).

I don't know, but I would certainly try, with silver-bearing solder! 
Look carefully to see if the units are not otherwise damaged.

> 2. Secondly, if this is not advisable, can I just replace these with the
> standard type (barrel shaped) door knob caps, as long as the KV rating is
> greater or equal to that of the originals ?? Surplus sales have these for
> under $20US each

Probably yes.  There is both a current and a voltage issue, but in this 
application the 5 KV types should be OK.  $20 seems steep, however.  Try 
this guy: <http://www.mgs4u.com/RF-Microwave/doorknob-capacitors.htm> 
He is honest and has reasonable prices.  Also you might check Fair Radio 
Sales <http://fairradio.com/>, who are cheaper than the so-called 
'surplus bandits'.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco