Stupid Question

[ddaveevanss]

I know this is a stupid question but I gotta start somewhere....

on a capacitator, which is the positive/negative?  There's one side with a black mark and a shorter wire, and another with no mark and a longer wire...

Please help!

Tnx
Dave

[daverdave]

Can you be a bit more specific mate? What kind of cap?
If it's a bipolar electrolotic then the shorter wire is generally the negative, but without knowing the type then it's hard to say, does the black mark look like a - sign?
Aluminium caps generally have a mark on for negative where as tantulum have it for the positive I think.

I'm sure someone will chip in if I'm wrong 

[Thomeeque]

post photo of the capacitor..

[ddaveevanss]

Haven't figured out how to post pics yet... not so computer saavy... the caps are

Capacitors 
1 - 220µF electrolytic, 140-XRL25V220 
1 - 100µF electrolytic, 140-XRL25V100
2 - 33µF electrolytic, 140-XRL25V33
2 - 0.1µF polyester film, 140-PF1H104K 
1 - 0.001µF polyester film, 140-PF1H102K 
1 - 150pF ceramic disc, 140-50P2-151K

Im trying to build a Toctavia... my first build... looks like I'm off to a good start!

[Auke Haarsma]

with polarized caps:
long lead is +
shorter lead is -

[asfastasdark]

The side with the black bar is usually negative on electrolytics, ceramics are not polar.

[ddaveevanss]

Awesome!

Thanks!

D

[solderman]

Check the FAQ on this site, Thehere is all you need to know about caps

http://www.diystompboxes.com/wiki/index.php?title=DIY_FAQ

//Solderman