Why does a capacitor need a vacuum?

The vacuum not only increases the working voltage and current handling of the capacitor it also greatly reduces the chance of arcing across the plates. The most common usage for vacuum variables are in high powered transmitters such as those used for broadcasting, Military and Ham Radio as well as high powered RF tuning networks.

What is a vacuum variable capacitor?

A vacuum variable capacitor is a variable capacitor which uses a high vacuum as the dielectric instead of air or other insulating material. This allows for a higher voltage rating than an air dielectric using a smaller total volume.

Why is a vacuum capacitor better than other variable capacitors?

When compared to other variable capacitors, vacuum variables tend to be more precise and more stable. This is due to the vacuum itself. Because of the sealed chamber, the dielectric constant remains the same over a wider range of operating conditions.

How does a variable capacitor work?

Anyone interested in electronics must understand these components' operation and maintenance, whether they are electronically or mechanically adjusted. In order to adjust capacitance, a variable capacitor modifies the surface area of its overlapping plates.

Should I use a vacuum variable cap?

A vacuum variable cap would have much lower resistance, easier adjustment, a higher voltage rating, and perhaps most importantly a much higher ratio of minimum to maximum capacitance that would enable the loop to work across my intended bands (20, 30, 40, 60, 80).

What are air variable capacitors?

Air variable capacitors are also called variable capacitors, adjustable capacitors and tuning capacitors. The plates form half circles with one set of stationary plates and another set that rotates on an attached shaft. Maximum capacitance is achieved when the plates are fully meshed.