[AMRadio] Re: AMRadio Digest, Vol 49, Issue 35

[D. Chester]

 > Yep, and the old body-end-dot resistor code, colored dots on the old
> postage stamps, mmf used instead of pf on schematics, plenty to
> remember. Not a big deal if you use it regularly. If not, it can be
> quite a challenge at times.
>
> ~ Todd,  KA1KAQ

I believe I learnt the old body-end-dot resistor code along with one that 
uses the stripes on the body.  Both codes were given equal coverage in the 
handbooks of  the 60's era and before.  I  haven't checked the recent ones 
to see if they still list both codes.

OTOH, the codes used on postage stamp mica caps is dauntingly confusing. 
There are several different ones, and when you pull out a mica cap from the 
junkbox there is usually no way to tell which code they were using.  I use a 
little hand-held solid state capacitance meter for the purpose.  I always 
check capacitance on any capacitor even if I am able to figure out the 
nominal value.

I have never understood why they went to that stupid numerical equivalent of 
the color code (example:  a tiny "101" stamped on the body instead of 
brown-black-brown stripes or dots).  Is this supposed to be some kind of ADA 
accommodation for the colour-blind?  Not only are the numbers often 
impossible to decipher; they rub off easily when components are tumbled 
around in the junkbox.

Don k4kyv