Rebuilding a Wah, have question.

The Furious One · June 25, 2006, 06:14:09 PM

Hi guys! I'm new to the forum here! I'm rebuilding a wah as first my project and have a "noob" question.

I'm using the drop in replacement board from general guitar gadgets.

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/diagrams/wah_847_lo_tb.gif

At the bottom right hand side of the layout, C3 shows a 4.7uF electrolytic cap. It's also showing a + sign. How do I determine which is the + and - legs on the cap?

I've been meandering around the forum and y'all seem like a great group of guys! I've learned alot already and hoping to learn alot more!

Bernardduur · June 25, 2006, 06:16:24 PM

On the cap it is marked which side is negative; the opposite side is positive

Cliff Schecht · June 25, 2006, 06:17:33 PM

The electrolytic capacitors (the types that have a specified direction) should be marked with a minus sign on the shorter(?) leg.

The Furious One · June 25, 2006, 06:22:47 PM

I bought this one at Rad Shack. It's not marked which is which, but one leg is longer than the other.

The Tone God · June 25, 2006, 06:25:25 PM

Welcome to the Forum!

The DIY FAQ (link at the top) answers these questions even with pictures to help. It will also have the answers to many more questions you will have.

Andrew

The Furious One · June 25, 2006, 06:47:14 PM

Thanks! You know I've read that thing 3 times prior to posting and missed it all 3 times! The iron is warming and I'm getting ready to order the parts I forgot! LOL

Paul Marossy · June 25, 2006, 08:11:06 PM

If there's no markings at all indcating which lead is negative, it might a bipolar cap. Is there any little markings on it that say "BP"? That would indicate a bipolar cap...

george · June 25, 2006, 09:36:29 PM

Quote from: The Furious One on June 25, 2006, 06:22:47 PM
I bought this one at Rad Shack. It's not marked which is which, but one leg is longer than the other.

the longer lead is always the + end (or anode as the + end is sometimes called).

Paul Marossy · June 25, 2006, 09:53:13 PM

Quotethe longer lead is always the + end (or anode as the + end is sometimes called).

Which doesn't matter in a bipolar cap since it's non-polarized.

The Furious One · June 25, 2006, 10:16:38 PM

Quote from: Paul Marossy on June 25, 2006, 08:11:06 PM
If there's no markings at all indcating which lead is negative, it might a bipolar cap. Is there any little markings on it that say "BP"? That would indicate a bipolar cap...

It is indeed a Bi Polar cap. I think I'm going to replace it though since it's a 50v cap. Go for something a little smaller.

Paul Marossy · June 26, 2006, 12:42:55 AM

QuoteIt is indeed a Bi Polar cap. I think I'm going to replace it though since it's a 50v cap. Go for something a little smaller.

I had a hunch... a lot of those RadioShack electrolytics are bipolar, and if you're not paying close attention you can get the wrong type. Anyhow, a 50V cap is fine to use. Do you mean something smaller in physical size?

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Rebuilding a Wah, have question.