[Milsurplus] Mica capacitors?

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Todd,

I never would have guessed that they were still made in the USA.  However, my 
comments were only partially tongue-in-cheek.  I've found statistically that 
in vintage military sets their presence usually indicates either a 
modification or a poorly done repair.  And physically they are usually the poorest shape 
choice to use to replace an axial lead original.  

If SBE makes them in axial lead and in some color other than rescue orange, 
I'd be proud to use them.  :-)

In a message dated 12/4/2006 3:04:39 PM Central Standard Time, 
ka1kaq at gmail.com writes: 
> >  Suggest you avoid orange drops for anything.  Anytime I see one of those 
> in
> >a vintage military set, I automatically assume modifications and butchery.
> >They only belong in PC board equipped late 50's and early 60's TV's.  :-)
> 
> Other than that zaney, bright, eye-jabbing color, they're actually
> excellent caps. Plenty of older gear uses those shiney brown ones,
> same shape but different color. A lot of gear used the original orange
> drops, not sure about mil gear. Definitely not WWII, they weren't
> invented then.
> 
> They are not only American-made, they're made right up the road in
> Barre VT by SBE, the company who bought the line from the original
> manufacturer, Sprague. They're even still made in part of the original
> factory by locals. The owner is also a ham, belongs to the local club,
> and is quite generous with his caps. Many a radio nut has boxes in his
> garage or basement. I've given away many pounds myself, given to me by
> friends who worked there.
> 
> Of course, they're not for 'everything', but they are first-rate caps.
> I use them exclusively unless I'm worried about space/fit (sometimes)
> or aestetics (seldom). Never had one fail or found any failed. How
> many owners of gear with the less-visible Black Beauty caps can say
> that? (o:
> 

Robert Downs - Houston
<http://www.wa5cab.com> (Web Store)
MVPA 9480
<wa5cab at cs.com> (Primary email)
<wa5cab at houston.rr.com> (Backup email)
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