[Kenwood] Aging TS-450s

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David VE3VID" <ve3vid at hotmail.com>
To: "Kenwood list server" <kenwood at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 11:23 PM
Subject: [Kenwood] Aging TS-450s


>
> I've been reading a lot about getting the electrolytic 
> capacitors replaced as rigs get older. I bought my TS-450s 
> in 1991 and it has always worked flawlessly.  This rig was 
> in storage for over 10 years.  Will that buy me any time, 
> or is it the actual component age which will cause cap 
> leaks?  Whats the best place to send my rig for this 
> servicing?
>
>
>
> David
>
      Electrolytic caps do not do well in storage. The 
principle of the cap is that one electrode is formed of a 
chemical film under the influence of voltage on the 
electrolyte in the cap. The problem is that its not very 
predictable. The usual advice is to bring up the voltage 
slowly to make sure the caps have not become shorted. The 
electrode film will re-form after a few minutes of voltage 
being applied. Many times old equipment will come up with no 
problems and will continue to work for long periods. 
Sometimes not and one can not tell in advance other than by 
measuring the resistance accross the capacitor or removing 
it from the circuit to test it. My guess is that these will 
be fine. But, being in storage will not have extended the 
life any.
     My experience is that electrolytics are a lot more 
reliable than is commonly thought.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com