ilovefuzz.com

What are the differences between Poly,...Ceramic and Electrolytic caps. Are they interchangeable?

I notice different voltages of caps that are available. Differences in these?

pedals that run on 9v will never be in danger of burning up a 50v or 100v cap. I just buy whatever is cheap and in stock. I try to get the lower value since the cap would be smaller. poly and ceramic are interchangeable. electrolytic caps a polarized and should only be used where the schematic says that it needs a polarized cap. I have in some situations used electrolytic and non-polarized caps interchangeably but it really depends on the circuit and how the cap is used. usually you dont do it unless you know what you are doing and you know that it will work. doesn't hurt to try it on a breadboard though. if it works then your good.

poly vs ceramic... ceramic is usually cheaper and smaller but not always. poly sounds very slightly better in some circuits and in other circuits it has no change in sound. sometimes the harshness, noise and distortion of the ceramic caps is desirable so dont be so quick to hate on either one.

So if the Schem has -|(- on it as opposed to -||- I can assume that the former is calling for electrolytic?

yes sir, curved line is the negative stripe on the cap

You're awesome.

Seriously,....a school would expect me to take a loan out to get this information.

So in the coming week I'm going to be putting a circuit I've got on my breadboard to perfboard and I was wondering,....what is the bare wire that folks are using on perfboard? Just the excess tails from components or should I pick a specific gauge of solid wire?

Its called bus wire. Mouser has it. Too bad they dont sell smaller rolls. Its like $20

I bought a roll from Smallbear like a year ago, and I still haven't run out.

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=129

Thinking about buying the stuff in huge quantities and using more of it in my builds. No stripping. Looks awesome. Don't see why not.

I am planning to buy some too for my DIY. Will it cost much?

your gonna have to check for yourself. mouser or smallbear.

I just use component leads with perf

Just found this tutorial on Instructables for building a fuzz pedal:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fuzz-Pedal/

Haven't gone through it yet, but looks like it's written clearly with good pictures.

maz91379 wrote:Anyone have a list of places to source parts in oz? Specifically where I can get a big bag of components and other stuffs i can do a few beginner projects with? Edit and basically where i can source everything i need that might be better than dick smith...

I dunno about locally, but I'm sure places like Mouser ship worldwide.

maz91379 wrote:Anyone have a list of places to source parts in oz? Specifically where I can get a big bag of components and other stuffs i can do a few beginner projects with? Edit and basically where i can source everything i need that might be better than dick smith...

the only electronics store is jaycar and there shit sucks there caps are bogus
pretty much why i source all my stuff from overseas
dick smith are balls too i asked one guy in the store where the resistors were and he looked confused and said we prob dont have those... sorry
australia sucks

I wish sourcing parts were easier locally. My only option for components is Radioshack and it has been suggested to me to stay away from Carbon film resistors and that's all RS has. And they are kinda pricey (2 bucks for 5 resistors).

I'm gathering up a list of tools I need. I'm getting a 12speed Tabletop Drill press and milling vice (my dad is sending me one he never uses). I may actually pick up two drill presses one for drilling pilot holes and the other one set up with a step bit, or something to that effect.

I have a number of deep sockets for my ratchet set and a great soldering iron.

Got an older Sperry multimeter but I think I'm going to upgrade to a self ranging model.

I also want to pick up a few saddle squares.

Any other suggestions?