[sdiy] Why Electrolytics?

[Jim Patchell]

    Electrolytics pack more capacitance per cubic inch at a lower price
than just about anything else.  And while the "horror" stories related
here sound ominous, it is probably not quite as bad as stated, however,
being forewarned is being prepared.  There are other alternatives, but
they all have their problems.  Tantalum capacitors can be substituted
for the smaller values, but these tend to spontaneously short out.  In
many ways, electrolytics are really the best choice for what they
do...as pointed out, heat is the number one enemy.

    -Jim

Cynthia Webster wrote:

> With all these age related failures
> is there any reason to ever use Electrolytics?
>
> Is there a more bullet proof equivalent capacitor to use instead?
>
> Cynthia