[PVRCNC] Bargain capacitors

[mike at bentwire.net]

Brian is right, it's impossible to check ICs. If you want to read 
about a case of counterfeit IC and trying to figure out what they 
were, check out these links:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=350
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=364
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=395

Leaded components can still be checked the old fashioned way, but SMT 
parts are a real challenge. There are jigs you can buy to measure SMT 
caps and resistors, but they cost money, maybe real money. I already 
have a DVM and a AADE LC meter. Sounds like jigs for common SMT caps 
and resistors would be a good project! For ham radio level precision 
it shouldn't be too hard.

73, Mike N4GU


Brian Alsop <alsopb at nc.rr.com> wrote:
mike at bentwire.net wrote:

Gosh!
This really adds impetus to measuring every component before inserting 
into the circuit.  I generally do this these days anyhow because the 
parts are so small, I can't read the color codes or markings very 
well.
Colors on the small resistors seem ambiguous.  Brown and orange seem 
to 
morph into the same color etc.

But, no way to measure IC's and presently most SMT stuff.  The SMT 
caps 
which generally have no markings are really problematic.  Maybe a test 
jig of sorts has to be made up.

73 de Brian/K3KO