Radioshack DX-160
 

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part (variable capacitor) for
the Antenna Trim (I think its C77, 100 pf) on the above swl receiver?

Thanx,

Dave

DJB wrote:
Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part (variable capacitor) for
the Antenna Trim (I think its C77, 100 pf) on the above swl receiver?

I doubt you'll find an exact replacement. Try a local hamfest or
electronics store. Look for something that can be adapted mechanically.
The capacitance value isn't that critical, so if you find a 200 pf cap,
grab it.

Art N2AH

DJB wrote:

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part (variable capacitor) for
the Antenna Trim (I think its C77, 100 pf) on the above swl receiver?

Thanx,

Dave

Is your antenna cap' damaged or missing?


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It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

"starman" wrote in message
...
DJB wrote:

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part (variable capacitor)
for
the Antenna Trim (I think its C77, 100 pf) on the above swl receiver?

Thanx,

Dave

Is your antenna cap' damaged or missing?


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I have a DX-160. I love mine. I bought it from a gentalman who fixed
it up (realigned/recapped...etc) and added the audio mod. It's a
great old analog radio. A lot of fun to fiddle with, although the
tuning (bandspread) gave me fits at first.

"starman" wrote in message

DJB wrote:

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part (variable capacitor)
for
the Antenna Trim (I think its C77, 100 pf) on the above swl receiver?

Thanx,

Dave

Is your antenna cap' damaged or missing?

DJB wrote:

It's damaged. It just turns freely.

Dave

You mean the shaft turns but the capacitor plates don't? I'll take a
look at the antenna trimmer cap' on my DX-160 to see what might have
gone wrong with yours.


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Been a wile 1977 since I played with a 160
I believe these antenna trimmer does spin 360 (not like a pot, or tuner
cap) .....does it function ?

-RP



"DJB" wrote in message
...
It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

"DJB" wrote in message
...
It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

RP Jones wrote:

Been a wile 1977 since I played with a 160
I believe these antenna trimmer does spin 360 (not like a pot, or tuner
cap) .....does it function ?

-RP

I hadn't considered the possibility that he thinks the antenna trimmer
control is broken because it turns all the way around. That's what it's
supposed to do, since there is no stop on the shaft. It's different from
the main tuning or bandspread control which have a stop position at each
end of their rotation range.
To use the antenna trimmer control, tune to a particular band or station
and rotate the antenna trimmer knob until you get the highest reading on
the signal strength meter.


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"starman" wrote in message
...
To use the antenna trimmer control, tune to a particular band or station
and rotate the antenna trimmer knob until you get the highest reading on
the signal strength meter.


Yes, and since depending upon your antenna and the frequency you are trying
to receive, the trimmer may have little or no effect, this could be a reason
he believes it is broken as well.

From what I see turning 360 Deg. a couple of times either way doesn't affect
my receive signal.
dave

"RP Jones" wrote in message
...
Been a wile 1977 since I played with a 160
I believe these antenna trimmer does spin 360 (not like a pot, or tuner
cap) .....does it function ?

-RP



"DJB" wrote in message
...
It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

Turning it 360 Deg. a couple of times either direction doesn't affect the
signal. That's why I assume it's broken.

Dave
"starman" wrote in message
...
"DJB" wrote in message
...
It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

RP Jones wrote:

Been a wile 1977 since I played with a 160
I believe these antenna trimmer does spin 360 (not like a pot, or tuner
cap) .....does it function ?

-RP

I hadn't considered the possibility that he thinks the antenna trimmer
control is broken because it turns all the way around. That's what it's
supposed to do, since there is no stop on the shaft. It's different from
the main tuning or bandspread control which have a stop position at each
end of their rotation range.
To use the antenna trimmer control, tune to a particular band or station
and rotate the antenna trimmer knob until you get the highest reading on
the signal strength meter.


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dboswell wrote:
It's damaged. It just turns freely.
Dave

Hmmm. That should be fixable. See if there's some sort of mechanical
coupler between the capacitor's shaft and the front panel knob.

Also, be aware that most trimmer caps don't have stops; they will turn
continuosly.

Open up the cabinet, and see what it looks like.

Art N2AH

Dave wrote:

From what I see turning 360 Deg. a couple of times either way doesn't affect
my receive signal.

That may be normal. The effect of the trimmer can hard to notice.

Do you feel any resistance at all when you turn the knob, or does it
feel like it's not connected to anything?

The knob is turning a shaft that controls how much the capacitor
plates are meshed. A 180 degree turn of the knob will take you through
the entire tuning range (fully meshed to fully unmeshed). No need to
turn multiple turns. Turn it very slowly, and look for SLIGHT
variations in signal level. Sometimes, it's easier to tune to a
frequency with no signal, and tune the trimmer for maximum background
noise. The trimmer only needs to be adjusted when you change bands.

Art N2AH

It may very well not have any affect. It depends on your antenna and the
frequency if it has any effect or not (as Brenda Ann already said).
"DJB" wrote in message
...
From what I see turning 360 Deg. a couple of times either way doesn't
affect
my receive signal.
dave

DJB wrote:

From what I see turning 360 Deg. a couple of times either way doesn't affect
my receive signal.
dave

I got my DX-160 out of storage and checked out the antenna trimmer
variable capacitor. I was surprised to find that it's made to rotate
only 180-deg. (half turn) like a main tuning cap'. This is because the
straight edge of the rotating plates has an insulating joiner between
them which prevents those plates from passing through the stationary
plates more than a half turn.
If your trimmer cap' is like mine, the only way it could turn 360-deg.
would be if that insulating joiner has come off or the rotating plate
assembly has completely separated from the shaft. The rotating plates
are mounted in a series of ringed grooves on the shaft.
You need to remove the bottom cover of the radio and see what's going on
with the trimmer capacitor. Confirm that the rotating plates are still
on the shaft. Then look for the insulating joiner between them. Be sure
to look for any loose parts which may have fallen inside the radio,
especially when you first remove the bottom cover.


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ANT TRIM is 180 degree rotation on mine. As far as I remember, it is
there to provide a match. This receiver is designed for a high
impedance antenna- long wire.