Can anyone guide me .. what this component is called... my guess it could either be a variable capacitor in Neno Farads rating, or perhaps, a variable transistor.

picture is attached focusing on the golden cylinder with blue trimmer (W1).

 

My guess is an old style "trimmer" (variable resistor)

 

More exactly I think it's a variable potentiometer (trimpot).

 

..Especially labeled R2.
Max.

 

I think there is an R2 sitting beside R1.
Looks like the trimmer pot is labelled W1.

 

I think there is an R2 sitting beside R1.
Looks like the trimmer pot is labelled W1.

yes!.. it is labeled as W1.
It has 3 legs on it, and used to control the 12 volt motor of the servo based voltage stabilizer. you can see the big round copper rim in the upper corner of the picture.

Actually this component is not able to control the output voltage of the stabilizer (i.e. I move the trimmer but the motor doesn't move. If I force the motor to move then it starts working for few seconds).

I have taken the pcb to a local electronics shop but he couldn't figure out if its a potentiometer or a capacitor.

I'll try to see if the resistance value varies upon moving it. if it does then, may be, it is a pot.

what do you say experts?

 

Wire wound trimpot. Matches the W1 label, and the appearance.

They were common in older TV sets.

 

I have taken the pcb to a local electronics shop but he couldn't figure out if its a potentiometer or a capacitor.

Then you more reliable advice, like AAC.

 

What leads you to suspect this component anyway?
What is the exact function of the board?
Max.