[R-390] Picofarad Meter

[Perry Sandeen]

GM List,

In preparing a parts order list for some BA’s rebuilds I’ve found out a few interesting facts.  It
seems Collins engineers were dead set on using only one or two of every RETMA capacitor or
resistor value (bypasses excepted).  Checking both Newark and Allied on line I found they do not
stock many of the of small caps one needs for a complete rebuild including bypasses.  I haven’t
finishing looking all the parts up yet but Mouser seems to stock what’s listed in their catalog.

It looks like we are going to have to put together one or more capacitor values to get just what’s
needed. With mica caps starting to fail it might be prudent to acquire or build a picofarad meter.
In 1964 I built a one from IIRC a QST article.  It used a 455Khz crystal and a generic panel
meter.  Nothing elaborate but it worked quite well. Mine is now buried away someplace.  Perhaps
someone on the list has the ski available.

I also put together a list of all the fixed caps, some of the variable caps and the resistors. 
Haven’t checked it for 100% accuracy but it’s close enough to use for a parts order or future
replacement planning.  Besides one wants to have some extras to replace the ones the little elves
break after we’ve gone to bed.<G>  Reply off list for a ,doc copy.

Regards, Perrier


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