[TenTec] [Ten Tec} Centurion loading cap

[mcelmer1]

FWIW, I had two Tune capacitors arc. I sent them to Ten Tec and they were 
disassembled. I do not know how they were repaired. The failures occured not 
at the same time but two or years apart.

I believe the failures were caused by the damn cat sleeping on the amp. Cat 
hair + voltage = big $$.

Mike
W8TRN
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob McGraw - K4TAX" <RMcGraw at Blomand.net>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2014 17:07
Subject: Re: [TenTec] [Ten Tec} Centurion loading cap


>I would not opt for putting anything on the plates.  I would prefer to 
>polish the plates.
>
> In the case of most of Tentec variables they can be disassembled.  From 
> there some XXXX steel wool or jewelers rouge will polish the offended 
> plate. A Dremel is a big assist in polishing as well.   If one can't get 
> jewelers rouge then use cheap tooth paste.  The cavity prevention kind 
> doesn't have enough pumice however.
>
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Hank P" <pfizenmayer at q.com>
> To: <TenTec at contesting.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2014 4:20 PM
> Subject: [TenTec] [Ten Tec} Centurion loading cap
>
>
>> If you reduce the air gap even with “insulation” the breakdown voltage 
>> goes DOWN not up. Now sometimes , if the air gap is sufficient ,  the 
>> “insulation” will modify the field  of a sharp point or rough areas on a 
>> surface enough to keep it from breaking down – but it’s the field 
>> modification – not the “insulation” .
>>
>>
>> Don’t feel bad , others  had not thought about that either -  years ago – 
>> on a military project – an air variable we had was arcing , and the 
>> capacitor vendor said he had the solution , he  made us a special by 
>> putting  teflon coating on the rotor and stator plates – it broke down at 
>> a lower voltage than before !!!!! After the fact it was obvious – but we 
>> all suckered ourselves  in .
>>
>> But having said all that some Glyptal or about anything that will smooth 
>> that area – cover any sharp points and not decrease the air gap too much 
>> may just work.
>>
>> My recollection of that cap is it is made by  TT or someone for them 
>> with spacers and plates all bolted together – you might be able to get a 
>> new plate/plates  – or if you tore it apart you might be able to get the 
>> area very smooth . If it is out near the edge you could just remove that 
>> area completely and smooth off the cut edge .
>>
>> 73 Hank K7HP
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>
>
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