June 2011, I bought some Philips 'Ambience Global' 18Watt CFLs, the fancy, large round glass style that architectural designers love.
Was most disappointed to have two fail two months later, with a loud bang and smell.
Changed them for Sylvania's quickly.
I pulled the inverter apart to find the chinese maker used a "JH" branded, 4.7/400V electro which has vented and shorted. Took out the rectifier bridge (1N4007 diodes) & fusible surge limiter resistor.
That "JH" brand logo does not appear in the 'Asian cap makers Index.
[URL="http://capacitor.web.fc2.com/"]http://capacitor.web.fc2.com/[/URL]...

Re: recommend ESR meter, Multimeter, hot air rework station

Hi Sheen 818,
For ESR checking, I use the kit-based unit K2574, sold by Altronics. See:[URL="http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K2574"]http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=K2574[/URL]
Originally published in Silicon Chip April 2004.
Designer later offered the neat, "Blue" ESR meter, a more refined product but probably more costly to feed batteries!.Re: recommend ESR meter, Multimeter, hot air rework station

Hi Sheen 818,

Re: New Members - please post your introductions here

Hi Members, I am retired Pro. Electronics Tech. from Victoria, Australia. Started work-life in 1960 at consumer goods retailer's repair center for 6 years.
Move to Tektronix Field Office as Service Tech for 6 years, in Melbourne. Wonderful experience with cutting edge instruments.
Three years in TV design lab for major manufacturer with semi-auto production line running circa 450 sets per day.
Ten years at instrument/navaids import/distribution firm.
Finished with 17 years in electronics Lab for Victoria...