[sdiy] Electrolytic capacitor life

[Travis Shire]

Here's where a good cap analyzer can be real handy. I always check at least 
a couple per mfgr/value/voltage when I get caps from surplus sellers. Most 
of the time they are ok, but occasionally I will find some that are marginal 
and pitch those.


> Hi all.
>
> A few years back I got many unused electro caps amongst other things from 
> a clear-out of a broadcast maintenance department that was closing-down. I 
> have heard that electro caps "dry out" over time. These particular caps 
> are probably around 10 - 20 years old.
>
> Are they any good? Recently I found and rejected at least one cap that 
> measured well below its rated capacity.
>
> I guess someone here has some real-life info on electro cap ageing.
>
> Any info would be most welcome. I'd have to re-stock quite a lot of 
> electros if the old ones are going to flake out......
>
> cheers,
> Dave
>