Antenna Tuner build

 Playing around with materials in garage while thinking of a variable capacitor build. I have two pvc tubes which allow one to fit into the other. Have cut a few pieces of aluminum. Still trying to figure out a good design with the materials at hand. Have now made two coils. I think I will soon wire up the entire antenna tuner device.   If the thing works I will be posting a photo. If it doesn't work, I wont post a photo. (who would want to see a failure?)

 The air variable capacitor I purchased via ebay seems like a good device but it came with no screws which would help attach the device to the case. I may just take a aluminum turkey pan and cut it up to make a capacitor.  It might be easier to make one than trying to attach the capacitor I bought.

 Antenna tuner build progress is moving along. I have all the holes drilled and all devices (except the air variable capacitor) are mounted. The capacitor did not come with any mounting screws so I am having a problem with mounting. I may wire it and then mount it with superglue.  I would prefer to use screws because replacement may turn out to be necessary. The capacitor mounting screws are very small.  I built the coil with 14 stranded awg wire which is insulated with some heavy duty plastic. I used the grommet(*) for getting separation. I discovered the best way to keep the wires in place is to use some cheap caulking. Because the caulk is cheap, it dries quite slowly (which is good).  * Grommet Edging Nylon GE85-C The cookie tin box is really a good size. I provides plenty of room for mounting devices.

 lousy days

calculator for antenna tuner  Calculating the component values for an antenna tuner http://www.crystal-radio.eu/entunercalc.htm W5DXS - Heart Of Texas DX Society L - Network Tuner http://w5dxs.tripod.com/l-network.htm https://www.giangrandi.org/electronics/shortanttuner/shortanttuner.shtml

Build progress November 5, 2020 Except for the 10 position switch, I have all the parts. Today I drilled the holes on the pvc pipe. Then I mounted brass screws and the c85 comb with silicon glue. I wrapped the wire on the pipe and shaved off the insulation at each brass screw. ======================== ======================== ================== November 6 My 10 position switch arrived in the mail today. I looked at it very carefully and determined which connection post is the common. Kind of funny they just dont mark it to make it obvious. It looks ok. I came with a lock washer and lock nut. I still need a couple slide switches.  I will need to connect the variable capacitor so that I can operate at two different ranges.  I will also to install a switch to go around the tuner. I am looking around to find switches in other equipment. =============================== =============================== November 7 Today I bought a toggle switch from Lowes.  I will install it to a...

 http://w5dxs.tripod.com/l-network.htm

 Kevin Loughlin's website was the source of the information for this project. First, Kevin showed the build process for a "demonstration". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-fuQz0-xbc&t=1048s   Then in the following video, he builds the antenna tuner as a completed project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ELvgeEmmA&t=344s

  Inventory of parts for L-Network antenna tuner Cookie tin box                                                     $        0.00 PCB (Ebay)                                                        5.00 1.5 inch pvc (Lowes)                                                      3.00 Brass screws and nuts/washers (Lowes)                   10.00 On hand 2x so-239 connectors (Ebay)                        3.00 On hand 2x knobs ...