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where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - Printable Version

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where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - OldRestorer - 01-17-2014

I need to buy 3 and 4 lead Ecaps and I cant locate them. One is a 20 + 20 with 2 leads out each end. The 2 right side leads do go to the same pin so I would only need a 3 lead Ecap. Another is a 50+30 with 2 leads out one end and one out the other. again 2 leads go to the same terminal so can I just use a axial standard Ecap? The next is a 20+20 3 lead radial. again 2 leads go to the same terminal. Where can I get these caps? not justradios, not radiodaze,? or at least I could not find them. Mouser is too complicated for me also.lol
Here are some pics:
   
   

Lastly, there is no way to figure out the value of a cap without a label or schematic right? I have an Halson that does no exist yet but I have 2 large caps, Ecaps I believe numbered 2209A mounted on top of the chassis and 2209B underneath. Any thoughts?
Pic below:
   


Kirk L

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - Jamie - 01-17-2014

You just use regular 2 lead (positive and negative) electrolytic capacitors to replace those. If you see a cap with three or four leads, then it is a multicap.. In other words, it is two or more electrolytics combined into one. You replace each one with an individual capacitor. Generally speaking, if there are three leads, you've got two caps that share a common negative. That yellow one in the second picture - you would replace that with two 20mfd caps. The black wire is likely negative for both.

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - BrendaAnnD - 01-17-2014

What model radio is this (not the Halson)? I don't believe that either of those caps belong there, they look like replacements and are likely the wrong values anyway.

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - morzh - 01-17-2014

Kirk

These are potted caps, Gosh knows they still might be within specs capacitance-wise.
I just did it, so if you measure that the capacitance is what it should be, you could try to reform them, and then maybe you won't have to buy the new ones.
of course if they are dry or shorted or extremely leaky.....

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - OldRestorer - 01-17-2014

Yes Brenda,
They are replacements, They were spliced in, not even soldered. One is supposed to be 100mfd and the other should be a 30.
For the 20 + 20 with 2 leads out each end. I would get 2 20 mfd caps and and just twist one ends leads together and run the other 2 to their separate terminals and pins?

Thanks for the help
Kirk

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - Jamie - 01-17-2014

Yes, you would just hook up both negative leads together. But, if the schematic calls for 100mfd and 30mfd, then follow the schematic. You will find all sorts of replacement parts in old radios. People used whatever they had, especially during the war. Always follow the schematic and check it before you replace anything.

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - TV MAN - 01-18-2014

AES (Antique Electronic Supply) has a few "firecrackers" if you want to keep it similar to what is there. I saw a 47/80 @ 160v which would be close, bout 8.50 + s&h. There are others out there if you look around.

Tim

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - BrendaAnnD - 01-18-2014

My point is, given that this radio looks to be a late 30's style, that the caps that are in there are way too large for the circuit. I'm thinking that the originals were closer to 8 and 16 uf, and that 120uf total capacitance is going to be much, much too much. Of course, all I have to go by are the pics, and from what I can tell with those is that the radio is similar to one of the Plant A units, with 25Z5, 6D6, etc..

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - OldRestorer - 01-18-2014

You misunderstood the values, sorry i was not clear, one is a 30 in the schematics and the other is only a 50/30 and a 100 in the schematics.
But I totally understand what you are saying. I wish no one had touched it but I am getting the hang of this slowly.

Thanks for the info everybody

Kirk L

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - codefox1 - 01-18-2014

Use diecrete components, just order 400 VDC replacements, they are tiny and no worry about limits. Do not bridge old components, cut them out and discard them. Replace with values equal or just above original capacitance values.
Big useful list of vendors here:
http://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=201537, hobbiest friendly site also here: http://www.justradios.com/
Bear in mind that you should also replace all the paper or wax type capacitors at the same time for a start, and you might find it prudent to replace old carbon resistors as well.

RE: where! 3 and 4 lead caps. - OldRestorer - 01-18-2014

Hey,
I am replacing all the caps in all 5 radios and have tested 90% of the resistors. One actually crumbled when I touched it.

Thanks for the info

Kirk