[ARC5] Aging Electrolytics

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 30 Jan 2015 at 20:34, Richard Knoppow wrote:

> -    Cap checkers show leakage so they are fine.   To completely test a 
> cap you want to know its value, its ESR either as a resistance or as 
> dissipation factor (inverse of Q) and its leakage. Cap checkers usually 
> show leakage but not always ESR.  Impedance bridges usually measure 
> value and DF but often not leakage so can miss some bad caps.  The old 
> fashioned cap checker is an excellent tool to have.

Exactly. I have three different ones, plus at least 4 different LCR bridges.

The ones I use the most often are the old Heathkit C-3 "Condenser Checker" 
which I have rebuilt.

Very easy to use, very accurate for leakage, works up to 450 VDC.

I also have a clone of the Sprague TO-6 unit.

Ken W7EKB