The Mellotron Group

-----Original Message-----
>From: electronglow <Joachim.Verghese@netcontrol.fi>
>Sent: Dec 10, 2007 6:02 AM
>To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Capacitor Source?
>
>> Wouldn't that require some serious toxic-waste-handling protocols
>> and be decidedly risky to the modifier?
>
>Good point. The electrolyte (liquid) within the capacitor is mildly
>acidic, so care should be taken when handling.
>
>However, this must not be confused with handling of old electric
>utility capacitors which may contain highly toxic PCB (polychlorinated
>biphenyls). That's a completely different thing.
>
>Anyhow, the "capacitor surgery" thing wasn't meant to be taken too
>seriously. Wouldn't recommend doing such a thing.
>
>-joachim


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Season's Greetings All,   


I've been tinkering and restoring vintage radios and television sets for many 
years. The capacitors used in Mellotron power-packs and older electronics have
electrolytes suspended with paper,material or similar.


"When in doubt, throw it out" is my motto re: suspect capacitors. 
Ditto the comments above about PCB-filled giant capacitors in the utility
and high-voltage industries.   


You can see a restored 1947 television set in a future Webpage . 
About 75 capacitors and 18 resistors were replaced. Included rebuilding insides
of eight multi-unit electrolytic capacitors, to maintain original appearance.


Cheers, -- Jerry Korb    (found/replaced 8 "ulcerated" caps in MK-II power-pack, 2006)