[sdiy] Reformatting Capacitors

[Scott Evans, Gen Mgr]

Just an additional note, the gear is about 20 years old, just not "lit
up" in the last nine.

Thanks, Scott

"Scott Evans, Gen Mgr" wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I am going to be reworking some gear that has not been on in 9 years,
> and want to try reformatting the electrolytic caps before going to
> replacement. Couple of questions:
> 
> 1. Is this a waste of time? Should I just go ahead and replace? I may
> just do this for the inexpensive ones.
> 
> 2. How high a voltage for a reformat? Full voltage, 50%?
> 
> 3. How fast should take the caps to the reformatting voltage, i.e. 25%
> steps for 10 Minutes?
> 
> 4. After this process is finished, how can I test the caps to see if the
> reformatting is successful? I have a Fluke with capacitance checking,
> will this do?
> 
> BTW, if there is a web page that describes the process, that would be
> great.
> 
> Thanks in advance to all who reply, I appreciated your help.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Scott Evans
> 
> "It is better to cherish virtue and humanity, leaving much to free
> will ... than to attempt to make men machines and instruments of
> political benevolence.  The world as a whole will gain by a liberty
> without which virtue cannot exist."
> Edmund Burke