Contents
What are radial capacitors?
Radial capacitors have two leads which stick out from the bottom of the capacitor. They are a different configuration to axial capacitors in that sense because axial have one lead that sticks out from either end. The capacitors also all have a stripe down one side. This marks the negative lead.
What is the positive and negative terminal of a capacitor?
Electrolytic capacitors have a positive and negative side. To tell which side is which, look for a large stripe or a minus sign (or both) on one side of the capacitor. The lead closest to that stripe or minus sign is the negative lead, and the other lead (which is unlabeled) is the positive lead.
Which is better axial or radial lead capacitors?
These days most capacitor manufacturers favor radial-lead capacitors, but older hardware may still contain lots of axial-lead capacitors. High-quality axial caps are becoming more difficult to find, and the options tend to be very limited.
Is it possible to convert an axial cap to a radial cap?
If you do happen to find an exact replacement axial cap, the price is guaranteed to be considerably higher than the equivalent radial cap. Converting an axial cap to a radial cap isn’t usually difficult as older hardware tends to be roomier. However, you may find that the leads are too physically short to reach the holes in the board.
Can a power supply be converted to Radial capacitors?
Intellivision power supply converted from axial to radial. Not exactly pretty, but functional and fast! Intellivoice capacitors, positive lead looped backwards and over top of cap body. It looks clean, but be wary of shielding if using this method.
What can be used to keep axial capacitors in place?
If the new capacitor doesn’t seem to be held down securely, electrical tape or hot glue can be used to keep it in place. Intellivision power supply converted from axial to radial. Not exactly pretty, but functional and fast! Intellivoice capacitors, positive lead looped backwards and over top of cap body.