Bruce Taylor
- Feb 2, 2014
- 5
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2014
- Messages
- 5
Hi, I know nearly nothing about electronics, but occasionally manage to fix things. Maybe somebody here can help me with this.
A few months ago, a capacitor in the base of my 70s-era Olympus microscope went off like a firecracker, spraying a confetti of cardboard and foil out of one end. When the foul-smelling smoke cleared, the microscope still worked, and I continued to use it for several months. However, shortly after we moved to a new area, it started burning out bulbs (which are very expensive!). I am guessing that the capacitor is supposed to play a role in grooming / smoothing the power, protecting the bulb...and perhaps the lamps dislike the power in my new area?
Anyway, I'd like to fix it, if I can find the part I need. I have no schematics, but the capacitor's values are printed on the barrel:
As I interpret this, it was a .1 uf capacitor, 500 volts DC. I am not sure what the {M} means (perhaps short for the manufacturer, Marcon?). And I have no idea what the 20k stands for. I believe the pins both emerged from the same end of the barrel.
I've Googled around a bit, trying to find a source for a similar part, but haven't had much luck. It's an old part, and I am not sure what modern substitutes I can safely use to replace it. Also, I have no idea where I might go looking for such a thing.
If anyone can point me to a suitable replacement, I'd be very appreciative.
If it is of any use, here is a picture of the microscope base:
A few months ago, a capacitor in the base of my 70s-era Olympus microscope went off like a firecracker, spraying a confetti of cardboard and foil out of one end. When the foul-smelling smoke cleared, the microscope still worked, and I continued to use it for several months. However, shortly after we moved to a new area, it started burning out bulbs (which are very expensive!). I am guessing that the capacitor is supposed to play a role in grooming / smoothing the power, protecting the bulb...and perhaps the lamps dislike the power in my new area?
Anyway, I'd like to fix it, if I can find the part I need. I have no schematics, but the capacitor's values are printed on the barrel:
As I interpret this, it was a .1 uf capacitor, 500 volts DC. I am not sure what the {M} means (perhaps short for the manufacturer, Marcon?). And I have no idea what the 20k stands for. I believe the pins both emerged from the same end of the barrel.
I've Googled around a bit, trying to find a source for a similar part, but haven't had much luck. It's an old part, and I am not sure what modern substitutes I can safely use to replace it. Also, I have no idea where I might go looking for such a thing.
If anyone can point me to a suitable replacement, I'd be very appreciative.
If it is of any use, here is a picture of the microscope base:
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