Author Topic: Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors  (Read 4837 times)

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K7BCV

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Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors
« on: September 14, 2012, 11:51:34 AM »
I want to build fixed capacitors for a magnetic loop antenna using commonly available building materials
such as PBC or ABS plastic and copper sheet or pipe. What I'm finding is info on building a particular capacitor for a particular
antenna design, but nothing that gives me info to determine the dimensions for a given capacitance.

I would also like general info on calculating dimensions for single layer wire wrapped inductors.

Thanks,

K7BCV

spacecase0

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Re: Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2012, 04:56:31 PM »
for the caps first thing you have to do is figure out the Dielectric Constant of what you are planning on using
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Tables/diel.html
then find out what the breakdown voltage is
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_12/8.html
and figure out how thick your insulator needs to be,
then use a neat formula to find the area you will be needing
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/pplate.html

if no one answers inductors in a few days I will (if reminded)

K7BCV

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Re: Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2012, 06:34:49 PM »
Spacecase0,

Thanks for the links. That gives me the tools to find my way around.
I think I'll have to do some simple test cases with the materials I have
in mind (weren't listed), and then use the formulas to extrapolate from
there.

K7BCV

spacecase0

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Re: Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2012, 01:54:52 AM »
there are lots more insulators not listed,
and you can run tests if you can't find it on a list anywhere, but there are lots of lists out there if you look for them

Recon prepper

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Re: Looking for info on homebrewing fixed capacitors and inductors
« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2012, 07:29:13 AM »
I just watched an episode of Amatuer Logic Tv where George built his own capacitor. Quite interesting.
Aluminum foil, plastic cups, and bondo I think. Weird.
use itunes to download their podcast
its episode 10 that you want on how to make your own capacitor. They show you how to make and test it.
Hope that helps.
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