[Elecraft] Blue trimmer capacitors - no more available

[Wayne Burdick]

Each affected product will be the subject of an associated errata sheet and a complete set of the substitute parts. Nothing will be left to the builder's imagination.

Wayne
N6KR


On Mar 7, 2015, at 4:07 PM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> All,
> 
> I would like to add that the non-availability of those 1-40pF trimmer capacitors impacts more Elecraft products than just the discontinued KFL1-4.
> They were used as the nulling capacitors in all the Elecraft integrated wattmeters, so for that application, the KAT2, KAT1, KXAT1, KAT100, and KPA100 have been impacted.  The proper replacement for those wattmeter nulling capacitors is a 5-15pF trimmer E540012.
> Also impacted are  the K2 trimmers used in the bandpass filters.  The 5-15pF trimmers (E540012) work fine in the 10/12 meter bandpass filter, but do not have sufficient capacity for the 15/17 meter bandpass where a 7-25pF trimmer (Elecraft PN 540011) is the substitute.
> That fact requires a rewrite of the K2 manual stating that the red bodied trimmer capacitors are to be used at C32 and C34 while the white bodied trimmers are to be used at C44 and C46.  That information will be good until the manufacturer decides to change the capacitor body color to something different (which is a constant exposure when trying to identify parts by the body colors).
> 
> What I am saying is that the impact of the loss of these wide range temperature stable trimmers is not confined to the KFL1-4 board, but has a wide ranging impact not only for new Elecreaft kits, but for those wanting parts replacements.  One must communicate the use to parts at elecraft.com (and sales) to obtain the correct replacement trimmer capacitor.
> 
> The loss of that wide range trimmer capacitor is being felt in many areas of the K1, K2 and KX1 products.  The impact is greater than just the loss of the KFL1-4 option.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR