[sdiy] Why Electrolytics?

[Tim Ressel]

It should be noted than the electrolytics which are
failing today used technology that is 20+ years old. I
suspect todays caps use better materials (premium
parts; no guarantee for Radio Shack parts) and will
last longer.

As I stated before, there is also the use factor. If
the manufacturer used a 35V cap for a 30V circuit,
that cap may not last as long. So when replacing
electrolytics, concider beefing up the working voltage
to double the circuit voltage.

Also I'd like to point out: Nothing lasts forever. If
you pick a kewl old synth somewhere and all it needs
is a handfull of caps, well, get soldering!

--TR


--- Jim Patchell <patchell at silcom.com> wrote:
>     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
> 


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