Orange Drop Caps- Non Polarized?

[seaneee]

Hello.

I'm attempting my first cap replacement and purchased some Orange Drop caps. When I went to install, found there are no polarity markings. Come to find out that Orange Drops are not polarized.

First, is it okay to use them as a replacement for electrolytic caps?

Second, I'm assuming they can also be used for replacing non polar caps on the same crossover. Is this a correct assumption?

Not sure if this matters, but they are for a Realistic Electrostat 2a crossover, pretty high voltage at 600v (.05 uf and .1 uf).

Thanks in advance.

 

[drew_t]

You can use film caps like orange drops to replace electrolytics as long as the capacitance values are the same and the voltage ratings are the same or higher, and the film caps will physically fit on the circuit board.

 

[Pio1980]

If the outer foil is marked with a black stripe, the unmarked end always goes to grid in a coupling/ dc blocking application, the striped end always goes to ground in a power rail bypass application.
In a passive crossover, it shouldn't matter.

 

[seaneee]

If the outer foil is marked with a black stripe, the unmarked end always goes to grid in a coupling/ dc blocking application, the striped end always goes to ground in a power rail bypass application.
In a passive crossover, it shouldn't matter.

Would an Electrostat crossover count as passive. Technically it is, with the exception that the electrostatic tweeters are powered.

 

[Pio1980]

If there's no amp, then it is passive. An active crossover would have tubes or transistors.

 

[seaneee]

great, thanks for clarifying.

 

[RUmad]

Orange drops are randomly stamped. They are not marked for polarity/outside foil. Though I've used them over and over in amps without problems or inducing hum. You would need a scope or another instrument to figure out which end is which. I've seen guys do it, can't remember anyone's name. Let me see if I can find it. Otherwise, mount in whichever way they fit better.

 

[RUmad]

Ok. Mr Carleson. This is one guy. He is way too technical for me but he demonstrates how to determine the outside foil in this video.

PS, no affiliation. Just trying to help.

 

[ConradH]

The times when knowing where the outside foil is, is important, are really few and far between. More important is the fact that Orange Drops come in various materials and you need to look up the part number to be sure what you've got.

 

[seaneee]

They are polypropoline film and foil.

 

[ConradH]

Except for the ones that aren't!

 

[rothwellaudio]

The times when knowing where the outside foil is, is important, are really few and far between. More important is the fact that Orange Drops come in various materials and you need to look up the part number to be sure what you've got.

I agree. Terms like "orange drop" seem to have originated in the electric guitar world where people have no idea what a dielectric material is. Terms like "bumble bee" and "tropical fish" are used by the same people. They haven't got a clue. (No offence to the OP intended).

 

[ConradH]

Here's the skinny on Orange Drops (R)
http://www.vishay.com/docs/42015/intro.pdf

Make sure you know which series you're buying, especially NOS stuff on eBay. Remember that polyester = Mylar. Also, read the fine print. There are series like the PS where they highlight "polypropylene", but the lower voltage units are polyester.