"In series" question from a newbie

[jimbob]

I feel stupid even asking, but I wont know if i dont ask. I need a .47uf film. Cant find them and want something close now so i bought 2  .22's film caps. I believe i need to solder 1 leg to the leg of the other .22 thus adding up to .44. I believe is close enough to .47uf. Is this correct. I thought parrell is soldering 1 leg of one to one leg of the other, and the last leg of 1 to the last leg of the other. This i believe subtracts. NOt to sure bout that last part.. I wish i had a pic of what i mean about adding 2 caps togather to increase value to make certain i was right. I have added (soldered) 2 1n914's togather going in the same direction as a mod to a few distortion effects I learned from the F/Q. This is what im going to do with the caps without worrying about direction as i did the diodes. Is this anywhere correct?

[bwanasonic]

For caps you need to *parallel* them to *add* the values, unlike resistors which *add up* in seriesl. I would advocate a bit of patience and check the numerous online sources for the correct part values you need. I know the "I gotta build it now" feeling, but sometimes it's best to wait until you have the right parts.

Kerry M

[downweverything]

Time for some text art.  "||" equalls a .22uF capacitor.  hook them up like this (which is parallel) to get a .44uF



--.----||------.
--|------------|---
--'----||------'

[jimbob]

Very cool downweverything! Thats exactly w3hat i was looking for.. i think i had it backwards. I think i will look at diff online resources. But i never forget once someone tells me.

[Mark Hammer]

I would just add to "down's" comments that when paralleling electrolytic (polarized) caps to achieve a larger value, you need to be mindful of the polarity as well.  Plus side goes with plus side, etc.

Occasionally, you will see diagrams showing paralleled electrolytic and non-polarized caps, usually in power supply settings.  So, for example, a 10uf cap in parallel with a 0.1uf cap.  In such situations, the polarity of the electrolytic cap is important (+ to V+ or Vref and - to ground for positive supply voltages or floating ground, - to V- and + to gnd for negative supply voltages), but  the orientation of the non-polarized one/s do not matter.

[jimbob]

i needed 2 .47 caps for a ae tremolo. ANyone know if 2 .44's will work just as well..I think ill socket them tell i get the .47s i need but womdered about the difference itll make if any.

[downweverything]

yeah i seriously doubt youll be able to tell the difference seeing that the tolerance on the caps prob include .47uF.  i wouldnt worry about it