Hello everyone, I’m restoring a Collins 32V-2 transmitter and just wondering if I should replace all the metal can electrolytic capacitors because they all test good.
Alex
If it were me I would. Just consider how old they are. Even if they test good now, how long will it be before your having to take things apart again, just to replace these.
Woodb180
@brian-wood What would be a good substitute for these caps. I don’t think their polarized. Could I replace them with film caps like the poly caps?
Thanks
@alex Generally electrolytics are replaced with electrolytics. Yes there are film caps available, but personally (depending on the value) they seem more bulky than the electrolytic versions. A good quality electrolytic from a reliable source will have no problem keeping up for years. If you are on Patreon, there is a verified parts list that would get you in the right direction. Electrolytics are generally polarized as well. Non-polarized would provide no real benefit, as these are normally supply filtering. Biggest thing is using quality parts.
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Well I found out that all the high voltage caps are paper caps. C301,302,303,203,204,206,211 and 305, these are all high voltage from 600 to 2000. They all test good. someone said that they are oil filled, so my question is do I really need to replace them and if so can I use the poly film caps in place of them? I looked on the parts list and inside the transmitter and found no electrolytic s. Version 3 has two electrolytic’s, but non for version 2.
Alex
@alex What testing methods are you using and results? Paper caps period are suspicious immediately. When I do repairs, I do so that prevents possible failures down the road. Paper is going to cause an issue at some point. I feel like the power supply would have to have filtering being a transmitter. Those 300 caps are in the supply area and look like electrolytics. They are likely smaller value because they are using filter reactors for the rest (compared to without).
Radios + Tubes + Scopes + Cars= Nothing better!
Yes, your right they look like electrolytic’s , but they are not. The parts list for the amp says that they are paper which is confusing because they are metal can bathtub style caps. I use a Sencore leakage tester and they all test fine. They are 8uf 4uf 2uf .5uf and one .25uf caps. Also there is no polarity on the caps in question. So again would it be ok to replace them with poly film caps?
Alex
@alex Interesting. Yes being smaller values, they would be fine with film caps. Just make sure voltage ratings are equal or higher on the new ones.
Radios + Tubes + Scopes + Cars= Nothing better!
Oh ya, voltage ratings are very important. Thanks
For your help
Alex