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[AMPS] Guesstimating RF Component Specs

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] Guesstimating RF Component Specs
From: measures@vc.net (Rich Measures)
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 1999 05:16:38 -0800
>
>We often scrounge up components of uncertain pedigree --  you don't see
>many spec. sheets at ham fests. A lot of manufacturers haven't yet gotten
>with the program and put their data sheets on the web where we can find
>them, and I doubt any ever will for parts they don't make anymore.  It
>always makes me nervous to use something when I don't have a pretty good
>guess as to the specs. I really hate the smell of smoke, and I don't like
>explosions (except intentional ones).
>
>Do you have any handy rules of thumb to estimate RF capabilities of
>components? For instance, disk ceramic capacitors, 

?  RF current capacity varies with frequency.   I resonate the capacitor 
with a roller coil, place it in parallel with a 50 ohm termination, 
connect an oscilloscope across it to measure V, and crank up the 
amplifier.  Current must be calculated from the measured V on the 'scope, 
and the reactance in ohms of the cap.  Most 3kV to 10kV disc ceramic caps 
exhibit noticable heating at 1A-rms.  //  Doorknob type caps are often RF 
current rated by the mfg.  
>...
-  later, Carl.  


Rich...

R. L. Measures, 805-386-3734, AG6K, www.vcnet.com/measures  


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