Product Overview
National Company Type CS-6 2-Pin Steatite Crystal Base with Hardware
Condition
Unused new old stock (NOS). Insert card marking reads: National EST. 1914 CRYSTAL SOCKET CS-6 PIN SPACING .486" DIA. .095" MADE IN U. S. A. Includes two threaded mounting machine screws and hex nuts. White glazed ceramic body and contacts show no cracks, chips, or oxidation.
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Product Overview
National Radio CS-6 is a two-pin chassis-mount crystal socket built with a glazed ceramic steatite body and dual solder lug terminals. Made in the USA by National Company, Inc., it provides secure mounting and low-loss RF connection for vintage quartz crystals using standard FT-243 pin spacing.
Key Features
- Glazed steatite ceramic body provides rigid mechanical support and high-frequency insulation
- Pin spacing: 0.486 inches center-to-center
- Pin receptacle diameter: 0.095 inches
- Terminals: 2 rear solder lugs
- Mounting: 2-hole chassis flange with included machine screws and hex nuts
- Origin: Made in USA
Applications
- Restoring vintage amateur radio transmitters, receivers, and VFO units designed for FT-243 crystals
- Building point-to-point tube or solid-state RF oscillator circuits on metal chassis
- Custom ham radio test fixtures and pluggable crystal switching subassemblies
Frequently Asked Questions
What crystal holders fit this socket?
The CS-6 accepts standard FT-243 style crystal holders featuring 0.095-inch diameter pins spaced 0.486 inches apart center-to-center.
What hardware is included for chassis mounting?
Two threaded machine screws and matching hex nuts are included for securing the ceramic flange to a chassis plate.
Can this socket be used to replace phenolic or bakelite crystal sockets?
Yes. The 0.486-inch pin spacing matches standard FT-243 mounting dimensions, while the steatite ceramic construction offers higher dielectric strength and lower RF losses than phenolic equivalents.
Before synthesizer chips and digital VFOs, tuning meant plugging in a quartz crystal and letting real ceramic hold the frequency steady. Bolt this into your chassis, drop in an FT-243, and get that classic rig back on the air.
