Capacitors in Audio Circuits: Part 1

[@TheBoss1597]

You are the best teacher in electronics, wish I had seen this in a 20 years ago....A real eye opener!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Peder. We're glad you found us :)

[@TheBoss1597]

Well, I guess I've seen all you're videos now...and I feel soo educated I've studied swedish books and papers but I had to see your video's before I could really understand info about for instance ac/dc circuits ...great!...and you're funny too!

[@TheBoss1597]

BTW what are your opinions on heater voltage, dc or ac? regulated or not?

[@UncleDoug]

In low to medium wattage tube amps: tube-rectified, AC filament voltage, unregulated. In more powerful tube amps, diode rectification, AC filament voltage, unregulated. In solid state amps: regulated DC.

[@jamiemorgan4146]

...I'm so glad that I've found your channel ! I'm not being a kiss ass. I've been dealing in vintage capacitors for 20 years or more. I know what they do in many ways, but not all. I've always had questions regarding all of their function and reasons for the usage of different materials used for the dielectrics. You have a calm and easy style of demonstrating and teaching. Thank you. BTW ... If you find old vintage caps ,( bumble bees , black beauties , Tigers , Sprague Vit Q, etc ) and they measure within the original values, please don't throw them away. I'll buy them from you. Thanks again !

[@PrinceOfBodom]

As one of the guys, who asked for this capacitor series, i am very glad, that you made this video. It is great to have a new series! i am really looking forward to the next episode. Keep up this good work! This is by far my most favorite channel in youtubeland.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, PoB.....and yes, you were one of the viewers who requested this series. It sometimes takes a little while, but Rusty & Co. always keep the viewers in mind when choosing topics.

[@Yupppi]

I love your videos. For the quality of content but also the sense of humor and personality you have.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Yuppi :)

[@Jimself43]

Uncle Doug has just the right touch for sharing his knowledge with anyone! I have been interested in electronics since I was twelve. I built a two-tube Tesla Coil in my ninth-grade Electric shop, then went on to self-learn TV repair well enough to tackle a RCA CTC6's CRT-conversion/replacement (a 21FBP22 -- all glass -- for a 21AXP22 -- metal anode/outer envelope) in my parent's den, when I was eighteen. It took all of the night between New Year's eve and the beginning of next day's 1962 Rose Parade (convergence had to be done on using a properly detailed black and white picture that would occasionally hold still, and purity/degaussing were accomplished with the aid of a soldering gun's magnetic field).I went on to found and operate Jim's semi-instant TV service from 1969 until the end of 1995. I qualified to be a Certified Electronics Technician in 1989. And so on; but, I hadn't a clue that Ceramic Capacitors were (are) microphonic, although I am familiar with the old-school Recoton and Astatic ceramic cartridges that boasted their three-volt outputs. I wonder how well a .047 uF disc Cap, having one lead ending in a three-mil radius, would reproduce audio from a 78 RPM record. How about a stereo cartridge that broadcasts high quality FM that is strictly dependent on a variable position-capacitance; would it be immune to hum? Cross-talk should be minimal. Talk it over with your dog and get back to me.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jim. I really like the idea of the ceramic disc cap being used as a phonograph cartridge. In fact, Rusty and I may try this out when we get a chance. Thanks for your input.

[@Ideal1980]

Love the lawn art, Uncle Doug, I’ve been bedridden a couple of days, thank God I have your videos to entertain me

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ideal. We hope you get well soon.

[@Billo1281]

As always, such a joy to watch and learn from your great videos. Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Bill :)

[@keithknotts227]

I'm so glad that you, rusty, and jack are back; bringing us very informative and light-hearted videos.

[@UncleDoug]

We're glad you enjoy the videos, Keith.

[@Finom1]

Your detailed explanation of capacitors in a guitar amp was very educational. What direction to wire in the lead connected to the shield was very educational. I have never heard anyone explain it before. So much valuable information in one video. Just the best, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, F1, and thanks for your very nice comments. We really appreciate it :)

[@slimh2080]

A great companion to the resistor series for tube equipment. I learn something from every one of your videos and enjoy the process also. Thanks for these

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Slim, and thanks for your nice comments.

[@culturallyrich]

Came to learn about capacitors from my favourite teacher and as a super bonus learnt about ceramic cartridges! A super bonus since I love records and play em! I think the real reason Rusty and Jack are dedicatedly hands off is cos they know the videos are in good hands with Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, CR. I'm glad the video was helpful :)

[@gns423]

Thanks Uncle Doug for posting this series. I am a novice at this but I love working on vintage audio electronics. Your videos have been so helpful. Thanks again!

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad the videos were helpful, Gary.

[@dylansdad987]

Yet another brilliant educational video. My favourite channel by far, as much for the exploits of Rusty and Jack as for the exceptional teaching style which makes even the most technical of subjects easy to understand. Great work Doug

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks so much, Steve. We're really glad to hear that the videos are clear and informative :)

[@teddybair9128]

I hardly ever comment on anything on here good or bad…. But I’ve got to say…. You’re an incredible teacher, from what I’ve heard thus far…. A great guitar player…… and I will continue to devour your videos every free moment I can because you’ve taught and put every subject and topic in your lessons here so masterfully and simply (as humanly possible anyway lol) it’s an example of great art in and of itself. I’d pay for this lol. Thank you man…. I’m building my first amplifier kit (A Mojo Tone 57 Champ Kit) and thanks to you I understood every single component of it throughly and could appreciate it that much more. Again and truly from the bottom of my heart Thank you and I’m honored to consider one of my teachers and pass this incredible wealth of knowledge along to every amp and gadget nerd in my circle. Looking forward to seeing all of what you put out.-Teddy

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks for all the wonderful comments, Teddy. We really appreciate them and wish you the very best with all your projects and continued electronics education.

[@mikeelmore6040]

Excellent Uncle Doug! As always You, Rusty and Jack are helping me understand my passion of tube circuits at a deeper level; can't wait for the rest of this series. Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Mike. We would all be lost without the guidance of these two furry gurus. Part 2 will be uploaded soon.......so stay tuned :)

[@zzettecarla]

Well Uncle Doug, once again Jack, Rusty and you have taken me to school. Thanks for the in depth and well organized presentation.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Carla. Thanks so much for your very nice comments.

[@ImTheReal]

Another great moment to start my Sunday! Thanks Uncle Doug 🙌🙌🙌 I remembering when I was plugged a capacitor in a little audio circuit... So I discovered that they are in a wrong position (just scathe the audio output of my notebook)... 😸 Dear Lord!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Humberto. Yes indeed, when you install an electrolytic cap with the wrong polarity, it quickly notifies you of your error :)

[@kengamble8595]

Hello there, recently come across your site and after watching just one video I subbed because it's what I've been looking for ! Now after watching for the last six hours I know I was right ! 👍 Back in the 70s I started some training in the electronic field but because of health issues had to stop and am now wanting to get to it again. Your excellent way of introducing the information is really starting to clear out the cobwebs so I believe I may not be a lost cause after all ! 😎 I may not do any work with music amps or the other stuff you do but it will help tremendously overall on the basics and that's exactly what I need right now. From some of your videos I get the impression that you're in the same part of the country that I am, southwestern Arizona, if so, welcome neighbor ! A big THANK YOU for your time and effort ! Now I've got to watch the rest of your videos and hopefully blow out some more of those cobwebs !

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Ken. We're glad you find the videos to be helpful. Yes, we live in the West Texas-Southern New Mexico area.....not far from you. Enjoy the rest of the videos :)

[@EzeeLinux]

Fantastic video! I love how you start with first principles and work up from there. I learned a lot about something I thought I already understood! Thanks. :)

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Joe. While teaching math and science in a classroom, I found that developing a foundation of basics really helped. We will move on to more complex ideas in Part 2.

[@dembydish]

Well... It's Christmas in July, Uncle Doug delivers the video gift like none other. Like many enthusiasts, I've been waiting for this series and wasn't disappointed. Thanks Santa.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Denby. We're glad you enjoyed the video series.

[@sleepylab4155]

I learn something from every one of your videos UD... today: 'Interdigitate' - I love all your videos - thank you.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, SL. It's a great word that you don't get to use very often :)

[@magnum9987]

I've missed watching your videos Uncle Doug, I'm glad to see you are posting again!

[@UncleDoug]

We take a break every once in a while and focus on other hobbies, Connor. It's good to be back :)

[@taopagan]

I really appreciate your instructional and educational presentations. I have learned so many things! For some reason, I seem to understand things , when you explain them, that I could not grasp before. You put things in the right order - first defining important words and integrating the ideas with what you have explained before. You use simple, accurate, and unambiguous language. You are one of my favorite teachers. Thank you for providing this information and presenting it so well.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Tao. We really appreciate your very nice comments and are quite glad that you find our videos to be clear and helpful.

[@tiggywinkle1000]

Some very useful information, well presented. I appreciate your no nonsense style, you have a gift for this! One cap. type you didn't mention, probably because they are extremely uncommon and of limited use, is the vacuum capacitor. I came across one of these a few years ago, in an old 1940's MOD ammo box that was full of valve radio ham junk and components. I am an electronics engineer, but didn't have a clue what this thing was! Got rather a handy price for it, that practically paid for everything else in the box after researching it. I am restoring a 1960's Marshall valve amp at the moment, so am working through all your gold mine of vids as I find time.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your nice comments and interesting info, TW :)

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hi Uncle Doug, Rusty & Jack, Most excellent tutorial on capacitors, answered a lot of questions. Rain is good. I hope all is well. Happy Summer, be good, C.

[@UncleDoug]

Rain is also quite rare around here, with only 1 inch of rainfall so far this year. We're glad the video was helpful. Our best to you :)

[@rhoneranger549]

Thank you again Uncle Doug! It's a great joy and pleasure to learn from you. Rusty and Jack deserve SOME credit I suppose :) I have been looking forward to this series.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, RR. We're glad this topic is of interest :)

[@ilhamrangkuti833]

Hello there, i've been studied in every basic component of your videos, you giving me the best explanation.. and gues what... Youre the best teacher on that subject. I'm failling much about the function in the past study... Now this is much more of a joy to learn it again. Can't wait to see your new video soon... Terimakasih!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad to hear that, Ilham. It's our goal to help viewers learn about tube amp circuits. Sama sama Semoga berhasil.

[@franckforster5451]

You are such a great teacher, I am watching your video with pleasure, thank you.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks. It's our pleasure, Franck.

[@lachrimaestro]

Very useful and understandable. Thanks for providing info like this. You're a natural instructor.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome....and thanks for the nice comments :)

[@daveanderson6323]

Thanks for the education Doug. As a kid, I would play with those tuners from old radios. Finally, you gave me a good reason to own one. Cheers from Canada.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Dave. Likewise from West Texas :)

[@decsnspace]

Great video Uncle Doug! Your showcasing of how you could use an air capacitor to dial in a more specific capacitor value was very intriguing! Can't wait till part 2!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dec.....glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Echo_III]

Instant 'thumbs up'! Here in Poland is 2:44 AM, I was finally going to sleep but... OMG Uncle's new video! :D

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks for staying up and watching, Echo :)

[@Echo_III]

Okay, watched. I'll be taking few notes after sleep. Thank you for your next video. "Good night" :)

[@UncleDoug]

Good night, Echo, and sweet dreams about dielectrics and picofarads :)

[@Billo1281]

3:48 a.m. Here in Florida, watching an Uncle Doug video! Never too late or early for a video from him!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Bill. It's great to hear from viewers all over the world.....including Florida :) :)

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I work in a place where we do a lot of PCB's and hand wiring. We have a wave solder machine and a whole electrical lab. We use almost all mylar film type caps. Once in a while you will see a polymer but for the most part it's all film. Super video. Like a free college level course!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, 6S :)

[@joewoodhouse8686]

Uncle Doug - really appreciate your videos. Get to learn some really relevant info that helps understand the science of the tone and get to admire the legendary Rusty - what's not to like.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Joe. We appreciate your kind comments :)

[@oswaldwabbit8986]

Thanks again Uncle Doug for your video, always great and educational to watch, I look everyday would hate to miss one. Oh I hope rusty and jack are looking after you and making sure you get your exercise regularly. P.S. Really enjoyed the old video with your jeep in the desert always a treat to get an insight into another place. Can not wait for part 2, 3 4 5 6 7 8 etc etc thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Oswald.....glad you enjoyed the video and the desert adventure. Part 2 should be posted soon.

[@markrhine5809]

Dear Uncle Doug, I have finely found a truly great channel for electronics, I am just a hobbyist, but love electronics. I restore vintage tube radios, and transistor radios, when I watch your channel I always learn something new about the concepts you are explaining. Thank you kindly for what you do for vintage electronics, have a very Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year...):

[@UncleDoug]

Welcome to our channel, Mark, and thanks for the very nice comments. Happy Holidays to you all.

[@VeritasKonig]

Love the sonorous voice over that you provide ; subscribed and all alerts. Need to fing your other content. Just the right mix of facts and humour...bravo!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, PG. Welcome aboard :)

[@skycarl]

I knew you was plotting a new series for us to enjoy. Tell Jack and Rusty hey. Carl

[@UncleDoug]

This one was widely requested and long overdue, Carl. I'll tell them :)

[@Diegoluthier]

Man, you are a treasure...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Diego.

[@kaybax4623]

Looking forward to part 2. Thanks Uncle Doug. I sure enjoy your style of teaching, even a (points at self) can understand.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, KB :)

[@SiliconSet]

Great video Doug, many thanks. Rusty and Jack are a riot.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, SS. Glad you enjoyed the antics of my helpers.

[@2121jwill]

Great video - the cat scan made me chuckle. And if Rusty was a golden lab, I'm sure he'd be able to give you a lab report to go with the cat scan...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks. That's a good one, Jack (good name, by the way ;). I'll share it with Rusty :)

[@AndJusticeForAll...1985]

I thought to myself look how happy that dog looks. That makes me happy for real

[@UncleDoug]

Rusty had a wonderful life :)

[@hadireg]

Happy to get a suggested new video posted from you Uncle Doug. Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome :)

[@kenmartin3353]

in the 1951 rider publishers put out a series of booklets by Van Valkenburgh , Noogoer , and Neville, Inc. called basic electricity. there was 6 booklets or 1 book covering the 6 booklets. starting with where electricity comes from and ending with transistors. this was a training series for the U.S. Navy They also put out a series called Basic Electronics in 6 booklets also from power supplies to receivers. There are also some other books for industrial electronics. They do not go into such great detail as your series but are great for slow learners that need pictures to help them learn.( navy remember) this series is very rare BUT it is available on line . I don't remember the web address .I have most of these books since 1950's. this was my training before becoming an electrical engineer for the phone company. I have been watching most of you videos since because of my age I've forgotten most of what I learned almost 70 years ago. I have also been a car nut since my 1956 Studebaker golden hawk. Put a 1959 Pontiac 389 v 8 in It . Back in the 1960's. sorry to say the stock hood would would not close because the 4 barrel sat to high. A scoop solved the problem.Talk about a sleeper. Drive in night fun just outside of Chicago. Oak lawn Ill. Keep up the teaching . we love it.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for the detailed input, Ken. We will :)

[@alanpassat6759]

I think I saw a rather lovely car there...great video. Knowledge is the greatest gift .

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Paul.....glad you enjoyed the video.

[@AgimLubonja]

Great video lessons Uncle Doug. I have been watching tutorials last month in the way to learn to bias myself the amp I have, and I went through a lot of your videos on KZbin Land as you say. I have learned you are a retired Teacher. I bet you have been and still are one of the best in the field. Myself I have never been interested to learn about amps and schematics in details before. Just only general knowledge. But for the circumstances, I have learn what I need to learn and to be prudent doing the bias myself. The participation of Jack and Rusty for the seconds they appear is stress removal. Cheers from Albania.

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings and thanks for your very nice comments, Agim. We're all glad to hear that the videos are helpful and that you are being very careful to follow the safety rules. We care about our viewers and only want the best for them.

[@stephenyoud6125]

Hi again Uncle Doug, after discussion with Jack we’d like to post an ambiguity alert on some of the capacitor type descriptions, Polypropylene is indeed a polymer and is also what we would call a plastic, but your Polyethylene is not actually Mylar or polyester, which is actually Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET the same as used in plastic soda bottles. Polyethylene is something different from PET despite the partial overlap in name and is used for supermarket bags garbage sacks and in food packaging. They are ALLpolymers and hence are all also plastics. Sorry it’s a bit confusing.excellent job on this and the resistors series which I just finished watching. Once a teacher always a teacher. In my 30 years at Dow Chemical I also got a kick out of finding the clearest and most elegant explanations of complex subjects, well done. You can be my uncle any time !

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much for your very knowledgeable input, Stephen :)

[@hernancoronel]

Totally love Jack and this capacitor stuff! Thank you Uncle your way of teaching, clarity and didacticism is superb!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, HC. Thanks !!

[@ChinqMiau1]

Thoroughly enjoyable, thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the second part!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, CM. Thanks for watching :)

[@mikesradiorepair]

The only thing I would have to correct is thst mica capacitors are bullet proof. A well known problem with old silver mica (domino) capacitors is silver migration. They also cause havoc in IF transformers. Many old AM radios that have a high static level or lightning crash sound have bad silver mica caps in them. I have run into more bad silver mica's than I even care to think about. Now days I just replace them all when doing restorations. Mike

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your input, Mike.

[@ringococ6424]

Amazing. Ive bought 5 books on amp electronics and none of it made a fraction of the sense as your vids.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ringo. We're glad the videos are clear and helpful :)

[@audiotechlabs4650]

You are correct. Not only is the info correct, it showed to you, to visually understand it, and you can go back and review it, any time you like. Thankz

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, ATL :)

[@jackallen6261]

Everything you always wanted to know about caps but were afraid to ask...Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge on the subject of electronics. Thus is so much better than any book could ever hope to be.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Jack. I'm glad the series was helpful.

[@silasfatchett7380]

Never be afraid to ask. Otherwise, how are you going to learn?

[@jcmcclain57]

Very informative as always Uncle Doug! Looking forward to the next installment!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, JC. Part 2 should be completed and posted soon.

[@redfishbum]

Thanks Uncle Doug! Glad you, Rusty and Jack are back!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Bart. It's good to hear from you.

[@mozilla2576]

Thank you again for all your efforts. You are super at explaining everything perfectly. Much appreciated, Sir!

[@Barnekkid]

Another fine video Uncle Doug, and great to see the pets too!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, BK, from all of us :)

[@strangersound]

Love your videos, Doug. Invaluable source of education on these subjects. Thank you, Rusty, and Jack. ;)

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, SS. Thanks for your very nice comments :)

[@davedrezTV]

Thanks Uncle Doug! I truly enjoy the details in your explanations and the lighthearted presentation. It makes learning fun again!

[@UncleDoug]

You are very welcome, Dave.

[@timbianco5325]

Great tutorial Uncle Doug! I know it would be a huge undertaking but I bet there’s a ton of guys who would buy a book or series of books with tutorials on amp repairs and troubleshooting.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Tim. If I were a younger guy, with a lot of time and energy, I might consider it......but for now, the best I can offer is virtually all I know, for free, on the internet.

[@SpaceAgeTech1]

Doug , you have the patience of Job to take the time to explain this material in layman's terms . Looking forward to part 2 . Hoping that that storm that Blasted through here last evening didn't overfill your "lagoon" ...

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Dan. We got no rain last night, so the lagoon is almost dry :)

[@jensmelbye8781]

Thank you, Uncle Doug. Greetings from Denmark.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Jens......from the Sunny Southwest, USA.

[@AwakenedAnhedonic]

I'm excited for part 2. Best electronics channel ever.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, AA. It should be out soon :)

[@steelcity321pb6]

As always Douglas, an exceptionally well presented, as well as eloquently conveyed, video …your aims and objectives certainly come over clearly, and easily understood. Whilst appreciating the fact it is best to adhere to one genre: and do it right, I can’t help thinking how much greater your electronics theory, and application, would be if your videos included, along with your guitar amplification, and juke boxes; vintage radio, and possibly vintage television, also. Sure, the latter two vintage electronics genres, especially vintage radio, are constantly added to here on You Tube. Though a fair percentage of vintage radio men clearly know their subject, a number don’t appear to have an ability to convey their knowledge and skills sufficiently to spark the interest of newbies, or inspire those, whose knowledge is at present limited, to access further reading in this subject. You, on the other hand, are one of a small number of people, out here in ‘You Tube land’, who not only has an in-depth knowledge of electronics, especially vintage electronics, but also has a great skill at conveying its mechanics. This is purely a thought my friend. Regards, Phil.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Phil. I did indeed work on vintage radios, particularly the cathedral-style table radios of the 1930's, for many years, but lost interest and moved on to tube guitar amps. I will definitely keep your suggestion in mind, however, and sincerely appreciate your very positive appraisal of my presentation skills. Meanwhile, we all wish you the very best.

[@martinreid1740]

Thanks so much for your videos. I always enjoy them and learn so much. regards Rusty and Jack.Looking forward to part 2.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Martin. We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@shaneeaston4027]

Thanks again. Rusty stole the show performing that trick of drinking water from a bucket. We have a dog that once drank bourbon from a bottle as a pup. It was a fancy corked bottle I received for Christmas left under the tree where I opened it. Dog is a bit strange now with behaviour we call "receiving downloads from Jupiter" or as my son calls her , the offspring of a cat and a rabbit (in much more basic terms than I use here).

[@UncleDoug]

As my old friend W.C. Fields used to say, "Never act with kids or animals." He was right :)

[@EdMuse1122]

A story for your amusement as I re-watch several of your vids: Shortly after the first time I watched this video, my son's scout troop went on a tour of a Coast Guard buoy tender at the Newport Naval Station in Rhode Island. Now, I am, shall we say, rather nautically inclined, but even I thought this was going to be a pretty boring experience. Buoy, was I wrong! It was the NCO in charge of safety that gave us the tour, so we learned about pretty much everything that could go wrong, and what the emergency procedures involved would be. But when we got to the electrician's station, that's when what I learned from you kicked in. There were several banks of (discharged, I'm sure) supercapacitors just lying around on his workbench. I don't know what their use was onboard, but seeing that there were several banks of six 10 farad caps just sitting around, I went to our tour guide and said, "So, pretty much everything on this vessel can kill you, hunh?" He answered, "Yeah, pretty much." Hahaha!

[@UncleDoug]

Good grief, Ed......10 Farad caps ??? Supercapacitors indeed. They could probably store up enough current to power a small house. Thanks for sharing your remarkable story with us.

[@EdMuse1122]

Yup, 40 to 60 farads per bank! Four-packs and six-packs of five and ten farad caps. I'm sure they could power a small house, but only for a moment at a time. LOL!

[@UncleDoug]

Actually, you can control the discharge rate of capacitors. Some of the electric car folks do this by charging the capacitors while decelerating and then discharging them slowly while driving, to extend the range of the batteries.

[@NatSteeleMusic]

Excellent video, Doug and Rusty. I eagerly anticipate the next instalment!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, BF :)

[@garyeggleton1142]

I look forward to every new video, and ive learned alot from them ....thanx Uncle Doug

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Gary. There are more on the way, so stay tuned :)

[@jamesmartelle9953]

Great video, more than I ever knew that I didn't know! I was wondering how Rusty stayed so young and vibrant, but now I know; it's the motor oil he drinks! I'll have to try that myself LOL.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James. It's actually a very fine Bordeaux wine :)

[@chokkan7]

Highly informative, as always, Uncle Doug. Thank you for the time and effort that went into this. BTW, Rusty looks as though he's starting to resent your exhortations a little...we all know he's the true power behind the throne, so just let him chillax already...:)

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Chok. Yes, he is getting a little exasperated at me for expecting him to contribute to our daily workload......much like a teenage child. During breaks between videos, he gets even lazier than usual.

[@duanesmith1134]

love your videos uncle Doug hope you Rusty and Jack are doing great!! thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Duane. We are all doing quite well :)

[@hnatyshyn]

I have no pet, can I still do electronics? But really, this is the best course on electronics for audio that I've found so far. Enlightening.

[@UncleDoug]

It's hard to say, Francois. Pets make just about anything go better :) Thanks !!

[@johnharjung2128]

Thank you for doing this series, I have always wondered exactly how caps do that thing they do and you explain things in a way that is easy to understand, I can read teach data all day and it barely sinks in lol Also, "cat scan" awesome !!

[@johnharjung2128]

Tech not teach :)

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, John. We sincerely hope that this series is clear and helpful :)

[@nicolasgreccovairo]

Great video! thanks for sharing your knowledge! cant wait for part 2!!!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Nicholas. Part 2 should be completed soon.

[@dandecrosta6415]

thank you and rusty for taking the time to show the disappearing art of electronics.It reminds me of bob ross the painter very cool in your professionalism.please keep finding new projects because you rule

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Dan. Thanks so much for your very nice comments.

[@basaltnow]

Indeed very good videos. I also learned things I already had learned since ever. I believe that the theoretical engineer behind that is Rusty.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Sarah. Rusty was indeed the driving force behind all our earlier videos :)

[@donnypumphrey6905]

Great Teaching! Really enjoy all of your videos. I learn so much! Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Donny, and thanks for your nice comments.

[@joegile]

Excellent Uncle Doug!!! As always!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Joe :)

[@krisnord4879]

Great video. looking forward to part 2. 👍

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Kris. It will be posted soon.

[@thedivinehammerswoodworks1895]

most fun I had with Capacitors, was back in Automotive class in high school, we used to charge up the old points distributor capacitor and leave it on the floor and wait for some poor sucker to pick it up, was always good for a laugh LOL! But now as a Journeyman Automotive Mechanic, I have to watch out for the guys with the big stereo systems, as a lot of them run a 1 farad or higher 600+ volt capacitors. Those will kill you right now if you don't properly discharge them before working on the electrical systems, even the hybrid vehicles have these types in them. But anyways great Video as usual, can't wait for the next one. Cheers.

[@UncleDoug]

I too once cackled with glee after handing charged capacitors to innocent victims, DH. I have since desisted, however, for fear of disrupting the pacemaker in one of my (now much older) friends. Ditto with your concern over big stereo caps.....and old picture-tube TV's. Being fried by an old black & white TV is not my idea of a happy ending :)

[@montygore]

Very good video Uncle Doug. Most folks have never heard of x-y caps. Sorry to bug you so much. I am cleaning out my shop to cinch my retirement. I am one of the few people who work on old Yeasu FT1000 trancievers and want to get ride of parts so i have an excuse.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Monty.

[@kloner]

good stuff. thanks and good to hear from you again.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Kloner......likewise :)

[@coolbluelights]

Just discovered your videos, very informative and easy to follow. I've actually seen one or two Farad capacitors used in car stereo setups to minimize current drop when the stereo is on. when you start getting the bigger amps they'll draw so much the lights will dim without them. They're about the size of a 24 oz beer can or larger.

[@UncleDoug]

Welcome, CBL. Wow.....that is one big capacitor !! The filter caps in vintage Kustom amps (transistorized) are quite large also (see my video)......but nowhere near the ones you described.

[@coolbluelights]

Yep, they even have digital readouts on them that show the percentage of charge.

[@UncleDoug]

Good grief !! I wonder if they also come with a fork lift to help with their installation :) :)

[@coolbluelights]

if I can find the one I have i'll make a quick video about it

[@UncleDoug]

Sounds good :)

[@MarkPilipczuk]

Another fascinating video Doug. Just sponsored you on Patreon. By the way, that thing is kind of hard to figure out how to use. I think I set it for $2/month and maxed at $6/month, but their UI is a little confusing. But anyway, I hope that you get a bunch of supporters and that puts a few bucks in your pocket. As always, keep up the good work!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your support, Mark. I find their site to be a little confusing also.....and they tend to change it around from time to time, just when you've finally figured things out. We will :)

[@MrMac5150]

Very Nice video very helpful.......Excellent. Now I know what me and Rusty have in common..................Food.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mr. M. It looks like Rusty, you, and I all share the same interest.

[@aleksej79novosibirsk]

Thanks for teaching people around the world... :)

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Alek. It's a real pleasure to do so.

[@NeZversSounds]

Love your videos. Even for me as mentally challanged in electronics, this made me wrap my head bit more about caps. I'm doing too much other stuff that seems make harder to get into electronics.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, NeZ. We're glad to hear the videos are helpful.

[@thorerik678]

When I maintained high power radar and HF transmitters while in the Navy typically the caps in the power supplies that produced 10's of thousands of volts were oil filled for the dialectic. They were huge and large ceramic insulators protruded out of them to attach the cables with washers and nuts. Always fun to short them out first before doing maintenance. Some even had automatic shorting bars that dropped down on the leads when a tech opened the cabinet.

[@UncleDoug]

I'll bet that was quite a light show at night, T. I love the smell of ozone in the morning ;)

[@fredimachadonet]

Great Uncle Doug!! Thanks for sharing!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Fredi. Thanks for watching :)

[@bullthrush]

Good stuff, looking forward to the next one. Jack is acting like my neighbors cat who got a new cat tree, the cat played with the box for an hour. :)) Rusty says "rain ... in the summer?" :))

[@UncleDoug]

Like kids, they prefer the box to the toy. We tend to get most of our (pitiful amount of) rain at this time of the year, due to something the weather people call a "monsoon season". Some monsoon.....we've only had a total of 1" of rain all year.

[@evanrenberg2682]

Very informative! I'm excited for next installment!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Evan. I hope to get Part 2 posted this week.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Evan. I hope to get Part 2 posted this week.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Evan. I hope to get Part 2 posted this week.

[@janwiedemeijer]

Dear uncle Doug, love you vids!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jan :)

[@jwl9286]

simply too good to be true. great job. thanks

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, JW....we appreciate your nice comments.

[@lucasbretels]

Great lesson and overview!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Luc :)

[@djfrank59]

Excellent video! (when is it not?) :) The interesting thing with the Mica capacitors is, they truly are reliable! The only time I've had to replace one is if one was cracked or split open which is quite infrequent. These capacitors were quite common in early television circuits where operating voltages can get crazy, and under high heat conditions. Since I also do vintage tube TV repair/restoration, I tend to leave these capacitors alone and replace the old wax caps, and electrolytics.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Frank. :)

[@JamesKruseArtist]

Wow, thank you so much for breaking this down so well! You’ve answered a lot of questions I’ve had for a very long time thank you

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, James.

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Thanks Uncle Doug. You probably know this already, but the farad is named for Michael Faraday, the very greatest experimentalist with electromagnetism. He came from a poor family and had little formal education, and did what he did. Love me some Michael Faraday. You guys probably would have hit it off pretty good.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, T. Rusty and Mike were good pals, but I never had the pleasure.

[@colinhepburn2818]

Hi Doug Yes, Excellent looking forward to the next episodes I always like your Vids thank you for the time and work you put in the them big thumbs up In addition, Floyd says hello to Rusty and jack and he raises an ear when the word food was mentioned

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Colin, and best regards to Floyd :)

[@cynthiasman1]

Thanks for another informative video.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome :)