Tantrum -I mean, Tantalum caps...

[Maxxarcade]

I've been replacing handfulls of leaky tantalum caps on Jukebox amps at work lately. I thought these were supposed to be reliable? They were causing random static and popping in the audio, even when no input signal was present.

In went a pile of Panny FC's and Chemicon KY's to replace them, and now the clarity is better than a new amp, and no more static.

About 20 of them were 1uf, 25v parts, some 10uf, and a couple 4.7uf. I used all 50v rated caps since that's what I had, and they fit perfect.

Most of the 1uf caps had ESR of about 8 ohms. The replacements were around 2 ohms.

[gonzo0815]

Re: Tantrum -I mean, Tantalum caps...

Well, tantalums last longer than may be elektrolytics, but it is very common, that they literally disolve after some time or they go open.
Especially, if the appliacne was not in use for a few years, tants may explode after first power on.
Manufacturers have since then improved the tants to a degree, but any way, they don´t last forever.

May be KC8 can tell you more abouth tants, as he fore shure has a little more experience with them.

[capamatic]

Re: Tantrum -I mean, Tantalum caps...

What equipment did you use to test the tantalums ?

[Maxxarcade]

Re: Tantrum -I mean, Tantalum caps...

My EDS Capanalyzer 88A. Probably one of my most used tools. Though I need to send it out to have the test leads updated to the better type. Mine has the flimsy Pomona tweezers.