Re: Microwave caps.

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Ed Phillips <evp@xxxxxxxxxxx>


Hi Christopher,

It really depends on the capacitor. It turns out that some newer 
microwave caps use a polypropylene (PP) dielectric system (GOOD!). 
However, many older ones use Polyester (Mylar - BAD!). While Mylar 
caps will rapidly overheat when used in a tank circuit and possibly 
explode, polypropylene caps should work just fine. Unfortunately, 
there's no way to tell which is which without testing, dissection, or 
getting the information from the manufacturer.

Best regards,

Bert"

   Also depends on the construction of the capacitors.  Inserted 
tab, common for filter capacitors, BAD.  Extended foil, intended for 
high current applications but more expensive to manufacture,     GOOD.

Ed