Topband: alternative to vacuum variables

[Rick Karlquist]

Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
> One of the reasons I have mot gone to high power on 160 is the cost of
> capacitors for my omega match - at least $300.  Anyone know of any
> workable alternative?  I remember someone writing about using coiled-up
> RG-8, RG-213 or maybe Teflon coax.  Where can I find more information?

Making capacitors out of coax seems like an easy solution, however
they end up being fairly lossy due to copper loss.  Think about
it:  you would not deliberately make a capacitor long and skinny.
The only thing that makes them workable at all is that the heat
generated is spread out over a large area.  You would have to
carefully evaluate your proposed design to see if it were feasible.

Rick N6RK