[ARC5] BC-348-Q Capacitor Questions

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

I don't know what type of switch the ZM-11 uses, but if it's the 
bat-handled toggle switch style, I would suggest possibly replacing it with an 
equivalent detented one.  I use a ZM-3A for capacitor testing and reforming.  It 
has an open-frame 3-position switch.  Two of the positions are detented, and 
set the meter to 0-60 and 0-600 VDC for setting the voltage regulator.  The 
third position is momentary and sets the meter to 0-50 MADC and connects the 
supply to the test terminals.  In the first ZM-3A I had, I removed the 
return spring (by unhooking one end).  That allowed hands-off reforming.  But you 
had to be careful when moving the switch back to the 600 VDC position, and 
conciously stop it when pointed straight out.  Go too far and the meter 
won't like it.  In the second unit (my keeper) I removed the switch from the 
panel, disassembled it, and machined the cam so that it is detented in all 
three positions.

In a message dated 8/22/2010 11:01:44 PM Central Daylight Time, 
k1lky at earthlink.net writes: 
> >...
> >I used the cap-testing power supply in my ZM-11 tester,
> 
> Dave,
> 
> You are lucky to have a ZM-11!  I have one here and have used it a lot.
> 
> I suggest you find a wine bottle cork, and cut it to size so it will  
> hole the "test" toggle in test position.  Then you can leave am  
> electrolytic cap in place under voltage to be reformed.  Just raise  
> the applied voltage from time to time to keep the leakage under 5 or  
> 10 ma.  Works great.
> 
> Roy
> 

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480