[Fwd: Re: [Collins] REPLACEMENT CAPS]

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

This is what I said about 630 volts 20 months ago. Fortunately my e-mail
program has a super text search function.
-------- Forwarded Message --------
> From: Gerald <>
> To: collins at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Collins] REPLACEMENT CAPS
> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 09:25:20 -0500
> 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