[Boatanchors] Old Electrolytics Any Good?

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Jim & Group,

Another (possibly better if you have it) reforming tool is the Sprague Model 
TO-n capacitor and resistor tester.  The one that I stumbled across is a 
TO-6a.  It has a capacitor leakage current function driven from a 0-600 VDC 
variable voltage power supply.  Leakage current is measured on a three-range meter, 
with 0-60 MA being the highest range.  It also measures capacitance.  One thing 
I've learned in testing and reforming old capacitors is that step one is to 
check the leakage current, and if excessive attempt to reform.  If that appears 
to be successful, the next step is to check the capacitance.  Sometimes step 
one will appear to be successful but step two will reveal that the capacitance 
has gone with the wind.

In a message dated 12/28/2004 1:56:53 AM Central Standard Time, 
Jamesnf at aol.com writes: 
> I stumbled across a box of 1000Mfd @ 450v electrolytics on a shelf in the 
> basement.  I think I brought these home from a hamfest 20 years ago, maybe 
> longer.  Is there any possibility these could still be usable after all this 
> time?  
> Or should I just deposit them in the trash?
> 

73
Robert Downs - Houston
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