On Mon, May 01, 2006 at 05:12:18PM -0700, Bob Axtell wrote:
> Hi, Peter. I had a client whose product was always operating hot (110F) 
> and some electrolytics cooked
> out in 18 months. I switched over to tantalums and, frankly, the story 
> ended. No more problems.
> 
> I have a few products designed in 1994 that are still in the field, same 
> tantalums. Never have heard of
> any needing replacement.
> 
> 
> Tantalums are YEARS reliable, while electrolytics might be classed as 
> MONTHS if the temp is elevated.

Thanks, that's all very good to hear. Sounds like they are just as good
as ceramics so long as you treat them properly.

The temperature stuff sounds good too since I've got plans for
electronics embedded in polyester resin, and I think the heat of curing
would do a lot of damage to electrolytic caps by boiling them off.

> Didja getcher wirewrap gun yet?

Sure did, and thanks for the unrapping tool.

I'm planning on using it as a point to point wireing tool for PCB's
actually. My idea is to take standard 2 layer PCB's, add some wirewrap
pins, and use the airwires to "add layers" mcuh like I've seen some
extremely compact circuit boards done with. For looks really in projects
with the circuit boards exposed, rats nests of wires can look quite nice
I think.

Similarly I've got plans for building a 64-bit LFSR shift register out
of small reed relays. Anything but wirewrap just wouldn't look as
pretty!

-- 
pete@petertodd.ca http://www.petertodd.ca
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