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Old October 17th 03, 06:25 PM
Tony Angerame
 
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Much has been written and published on the net on this topic but just
to add my two cents and perhaps summarize. I've had good luck with a
variable HV DC supply. I bring up the voltage, albeit slowly, while
monitoring current with a microamp meter. It's nice to watch the
current gradually go lower, then I step up about another 50 volts or
so then watch it go lower again until I reach the rated voltage of the
cap. I let it "Cook" there for awhile then use the cap. There's a
formula for the "Cook Time" based on the age of the cap. Do a net
search for that one. Someone in G land I think. I have restored and
recapped a lot of older HF radios this way and it has saved me a
tremendous amount of cash.The new Electrolytics are a lot
smaller/better but we're talking about five bucks each here. I wait
till they show up at the Flea Market or local surplus outlet then
scoop em up for .25 each. Oooops! Maybe I shouldn't have told you
about that.


Tony WA6LZH







(Mark) wrote in message . com...
I have obtained some surplus linear regulated power supplies. The
date code for the electrolytic caps in the filter section are late
1993. I've not powered these
supplies up. I know that these caps have a limited life. These caps
are also
harder to come by due to the proliferation of switch mode power
supplies and
their lower values. Any ideas/suggestions to minimize stress to these
caps
or even rejuvinate, if possible, these caps. I'm aware of inrush
current at
supply turn on and I plan to minimize that. Any other ideas or
suggestions???