VTL5C3 substitution question

[hoodoo]

G'day to all, Matt here, putting a multiplex together with the modulation board and having a hard time finding the listed vactrol here in OZ. I know i can get them online easy enough, but i'm cheap  Just wondering if there is a substitute part that will work OK. I came across a post about NSL32's? which i can get easily, do they work, any other suggestions? Any help appreciated, thanks, Matt.

[selfdestroyer]

I'm pretty sure you can use a LDR and a LED. I would get a pack of LDRs and socket it to test with. I have had good results with red diffused LEDs with LDR effects. Just a thought.

[midwayfair]

The VTL5C3 has a very high dark resistance, but it also has a tremendously long light memory and very low on resistance. The NSL-32 behaves similarly in, say, the Afterlife, but still has a smaller range, as its on resistance is much higher. It'll be similar here: you'll still get modulation, and good modulation, but it might be less deep than what you'd get out of the 5C3.

[hoodoo]

Thanks for the advice. Jon, it was your post on another forum that made me think that i can use the substitute vactrol, and from what you've said here, i may socket it and  give it a go and replace it at a later date when i can get the VTL. All the best, Matt.

[culturejam]

There are multiple versions of the NSL-32, and they have a wide range of on/off resistances and recovery times. So make sure you check the data sheets before you order. Do a search for "NSL" at Allied Electronics to see what I'm talking about.

[midwayfair]

There are multiple versions of the NSL-32, and they have a wide range of on/off resistances and recovery times. So make sure you check the data sheets before you order. Do a search for "NSL" at Allied Electronics to see what I'm talking about.

I forgot about this. Smallbear only sells the one, which is the only one I have experience with, and I don't know which version it is. So .... everything I said above may or may not be true!

[gtr2]

Just make your own (definitely socket) or I can send one for a couple bucks.  I have a few spares.

Josh