[Collins] REPLACEMENT CAPS

[Gerald]

On Sun, 2005-07-10 at 08:23 -0400, Magoo wrote:
> If you are replacing those old "black beauty" caps in your boat anchor, 
> perhaps you should not choose the lowest voltage rating you feel you can get 
> away with.  Some of the "orange drop" type caps available are imported, and 
> I suspect that the manufacturing standards may be lower than the authentic 
> original  Sprague units.  It is best to allow at least a 50% margin of 
> safety in choosing the required caps.
> 
> I have been using "unbranded" 630 volt "orange drop" caps for all of my 
> re-capping jobs (20+ radios), and have been very happy with them. 
> Installing a lower voltage cap when the difference in price is just cents 
> seems risky to me.  There are several reputable suppliers of these imported 
> caps, all with good pricing, but my choice is Just Radios (he has a web page 
> and on-line order).
> 
> Bill, VE3NH 
> 
I specify Sprague (now made by Vishay) Orange Drops, not generics
because I've tested and abused Sprague Orange Drops for over 40 years.
Many imports are very compact with wimpy leads and undoubtedly have thin
insulation. When rated at 630 volts that is a sign of import because
that's an European voltage rating, not a US voltage rating.

Mouser (www.mouser.com) is a good source of Sprague Orange Drop and TVA
Atom electrolytic capacitors. These electrolytics are not so compact and
so handle ripple current better than the more miniature imports.
-- 
73, Jerry, K0CQ, Technical Advisor to the CRA
All content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer