mikeremlap@aol.com.org.net

Okay guys, I cut the cap open.

See foto at

http://www.fotolog.net/palmer_mp/

No foil that I can see. In fact, I'm not sure how this thing works. I thought
the idea was to create maximum surface area.

I probably should have buzzed the negative terminal to the can to see if
connected. (Can do that tomorrow).

Black stuff has a strong order to it...

In any event, it seems that, with vertical mounting, lugs down, either
component could rattle its way to short the inputs. I'm surprised it didn't
happen.

Mike Palmer <><
Excellence in Ergonomics, but apparently obsolete in Electrical Engineering.

james m. knox

Yeah, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty (again) try Peter's theory
to see if you can unroll some of the insides.

The capacity goes up linearly as a function of the surface area, but as the
square (if I recall) of the separation of the conductors. No way in heck
you are going to get 6000 uF out of one rod in the middle, with a big gap
to the outer can.

-----------------------------------------------
James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
Austin, Tx 78721 jknox@trisoft.com
-----------------------------------------------

mikeremlap@aol.com.org.net

Hi guys:

Probably getting off topic a bit, although my original concern was safety of
flight, and things shorting out. Are we agreed that this type of capacitor
construction is too prone to vibration for aircraft use and that it has a bad
failure mode?

I cut into the guts of the cap - I'm still clueless. Guess some reading is in
order on my part. If someone wants to educate me, either on or off line...

The 2nd cut photo is here:

http://www.fotolog.net/palmer_mp/

Mike Palmer <><
Excellence in Ergonomics