SparkySKO wrote:
Hello All,

[Basically this says, are there any practical alternatives to an air
variable capacitor that a beginner can use in building his first
receiver radio?]

I'm interested in getting my feet wet in building a receiver, but don't
want to buy a 'kit'. I'd like to build a radio that has a knob I can
somewhat tune it with. I've been really looking at regenerative radios
and superheterodynes, although a simple radio is more important than
how well it really performs.

One common theme in almost every 'simple' radio design I can find, is
that they *ALL* use Air variable capacitors. While I'm sure these were
everywhere 20 years ago, going to every major electronics supply house
in Portland, Oregon has yielded me only with small trimmer capacitors,
which AFAIK, will not do for a 'tuner'...

I'd try R5D3 first, then see if I could find something worth
cannibalizing at Cascade (note new address) or Wacky
Willy's (lots of junk, but you never know...). Then I'd hit the
various thrift stores and see if I could find an old FM tuner.

Are there any ham radio swap meets coming up?

If you go to R5D3, they really are on a residential side street
out in the middle of nowhere.

The parts are out there. Go get them!

Laura Halliday VE7LDH "Que les nuages soient notre
Grid: CN89mg pied a terre..."
ICBM: 49 16.05 N 122 56.92 W - Hospital/Shafte