[Elecraft] Interpreting Color Codes

[Richard Klingensmith]

And another suggestion is the Ott Task Lamp (Ott model number OTL13TCG). You 
can view their complete line of lamps at www.ott-lite.com. This is a color 
corrected light that you can even carry with you. In addition to trying to 
figure out resistor color codes I tie trout and bass flys which requires 
paying attention to subtle colors, this light helps. Along with the flip 
down magnifier I've had pretty good luck so far.

Rick
WA3TUU

>From: "W3FPR - Don Wilhelm" <w3fpr at earthlink.net>
>Reply-To: W3FPR - Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at arrl.net>
>To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interpreting Color Codes
>Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 12:13:52 -0500
>
>Folks,
>
>Part of the blame for color confusion lies with the part manufacturer.  I 
>have many older resistors in my junkbox and the color bands are bright and 
>clear - these older color bands are saturated colors and easy to read at a 
>glance under most any lighting condition, so I know it is not my eyes 
>getting dim!!!.  Unfortunately though, I don't forsee the situation getting 
>any better since the component manufacturers primary market is to 
>production lines using automatic insertion devices, and for that market, 
>any reasonable marking will do the job, even if it is not 'people 
>readable'.  Bearing witness to this fact is the unmarked SMD capacitors.  
>We folks who have to read the values manually have to take 'second seat' 
>(or maybe even the rear seat).
>
>The best tool I have found for myself is a small lighted handheld magnifier 
>with fresh batteries - you can buy these for less than $5 at places like 
>Wal-Mart, Target, local drugstore, etc.  I use it for viewing the 'fine 
>print' on capacitors as well, and the only color I have trouble with is 
>violet and occasionally red/orange because many of the red pigments are not 
>well saturated, they are more 'bright orange' than an actual red - yes my 
>wife concurs and she has a keen color eye.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>----- Original Message -----
>
>
>>After having built a K2, KX1 and numerous other homebrew gear, I have 
>>noted
>>by my own observations and comments of others some confusion as to exactly
>>what colors are being observed on small parts, usually resistors and RF
>>chokes.
>>
>>Having been in the printing business for some years, I can say that  color
>>perception is often skewed by the light used for viewing. Incandescent
>>lighting
>>seems to be the least accurate for determining the correct colors,
>>particularly
>>yellows, oranges, and browns. Many times I have used sunlight (if 
>>available)
>>or sought out a fluorescent lamp (cool white with at least 5200K 
>>temperature)
>>to properly interpret colors. When in doubt, I use a meter to confirm  the
>>value.
>>
>
>
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