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Prevent vibration of inductors #50w amplifier #50w


 

Hi Guys,
I am busy building the QRP 50w amplifier for the QCX+.? As you are all aware there are quite a few low pass inductor filters and transformers on the board.? What would be the best way to stick the inductors onto the board to prevent vibrations from moving them around.? I am think of using RVT silicon gasket maker.?
Opinions please.

ZR6TM 73?


 

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Or hot melt glue

73, Willie N1JBJ



On Jun 13, 2022, at 3:31 PM, timo.vandermerwe@... wrote:

?Hi Guys,
I am busy building the QRP 50w amplifier for the QCX+.? As you are all aware there are quite a few low pass inductor filters and transformers on the board.? What would be the best way to stick the inductors onto the board to prevent vibrations from moving them around.? I am think of using RVT silicon gasket maker.?
Opinions please.

ZR6TM 73?


 

Hot melt may be a better choice, since most silicone?RTV adhesives release acetic acid as they cure.

73
Jim N6OTQ

On Mon, Jun 13, 2022 at 2:55 PM William Smith <w_smith@...> wrote:
Or hot melt glue

73, Willie N1JBJ


 

If you use silicone try to find the "neutral cure" type, which does not emit (as much of) the vinegar-smelling fumes when it cures.??
I have seen commercial items with a soft, white, rubbery compound which looked suspiciously like bathtub caulk.? I have also heard suggestions to use hot-melt glue.
When I worked at RCA Astro we used 2-part "thixotropic blue Solithane" for staking large components like inductors and capacitors.? Good luck finding some.
73, Don N2VGU


 

Unless you operate from a fighter plane, I can't imagine any need to be concerned with this. Sitting on a less than sturdy desk, on tile floor at ground level, no vibration. I can't imagine issues anywhere else unless operating from a moving platform or an earthquake.?

Curt


 

Thanks everyone,
Seems hot glue won.
73 ZR6TM??


 

I agree with Curt. Unless you have it in an environment where it is subject to constant vibration, I can't imagine your needing to secure the inductors and transformers. Perhaps if you travel a lot and the amp normally goes in a small trailer or the trailer of a semi, you might want a little extra reinforcement, but then, if that is the case, securing the components in the amp will probably be well down the 'worry list' ;-) :-/

I've built a 40m version of the 50W PA and I'd say that keeping the heatsink fins from damaging other things is my biggest concern! Hans, how much would it add to the cost to add a 'bottom' to the heatsinks and then round off the edges and corners? (note: that's a sincere question :-) )

FWIW,

Charles Johnson
KF4AYT