[HCDX]: Re: Vactrols

[Hermod Pedersen <hermod.pedersen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Patrick Martin wrote:
> Does anyone know where I can find Vactrols? I checked the internet and
> the only source I found was in 1996 and is longer available.

These are getting hot stuff for all interested in the K9AY antenna...
(For more info on that, have a look at the HCDX web site at 
http://www.hard-core-dx.com/nordicdx/antenna/)

To answer the question, I have dug into this matter somewhat recently, and 
below you will find copies of two useful answers.
The first from PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, who used to manufacture a often 
referred to Vactrol, now out of production. The second is from 
Bert,  VE3QAA. Hope some of this will be of use.

Copy of message from PerkinElmer Optoelectronics:
The VTL3A series incandescent optocouplers were discontinued about 5-7 years
ago.   We do not have a direct replacement part.  The only optocouplers we
are making today are LED units. You could try our competitor Clairex at
http://www.clairex.com .  They have a part CLM310 that might be a close
equivalent to our VTL3A27.  If I can be of any further assistance please
contact me.  My numbers are listed below.

Regards;
PerkinElmer Optoelectronics-St. Louis

Al Anthony
Applications/Sales Support Engineer
Tel: 314-423-4900 ext 208
Fax: 314-423-3956
E-Mail: aanthony@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Copy of message from Bert,  VE3QAA:
"I spent a frustrating 2or3 days trying to get info on Vactrols on the
internet.  Allied radio has them, but I found their web site useless.
Entering "vactrol" produced nil, even though they are listed in their
latest paper catalog.  I finally phoned them.

The units you are probably interested in are:

Stock No.  Mfrs. no.  Resistance

980-0700   VTL5C1      200 - 600 ohms for 40 - 10 ma

980-0705   VTL5C2      200 - 800 ohms  "   "    "

980-0715   VTL5C4       75 - 125 ohms  "   "    "

Prices are in the range of US$ 2.50 to 2.70

I bought 10 of one type and 2 of another, and the characteristics were
quite uniform, typically within 5 percent or so of the mean."

_______________________________________________________________
Hermod Pedersen, Web Editor http://hard-core-dx.com/
 -- probably the best DX site in the world --
Email: hermod@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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