[R-390] OT: Wet or Solid Tantalum?

[Barry]

> Barry,
> 
> I looked at the ad and can't tell.  Maybe some info from the case will 
> help. BUT, you no doubt noticed that the things are in England, and  
> postage plus hassle may make it more trouble than it's worth.
> 
> > Seller states it's wet, ...  I need a 47uF/50V
> solid tantalum.
> What on earth for?  Not the audio deck in an R-390, I assume.  The  
> special characteristics of tantalum caps are seldom really needed.
> 
> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2002711724
> 95
> His ad tells about twenty pound price from Digikey. Seems very  
> unreasonable and a common electrolytic cap may do just fine.
> 
> Roy
> 
> Roy Morgan
> k1lky at ear
> thlink.net529 Cobb St.
> Groton NY, 13073

It's for the output on an LM317 power supply.  As I understand it, the tantalum's properties are called for in this 
application (low ESR, frequency response, etc.) and a "solid" tantalum is specified in the schematic.

Believe it or not, a 47uF/50V solid tantalum runs over $20 with Mouser and I assume the same for other e-tailers.

His shipping price to the US seems quite low (1.75 bp).  Total cost should be a LOT less than a new one.  Of course, it 
could be a really old cap and not worth it at all...

Thanks (and good to hear from you!)

Barry - N4BUQ