Thread: testing a cap?

charge it, then get like a 12 volt LED, hook it up, and see how long it stays lit. minute or 2 should be good. If that works, charge it again, and hook up a volt meter and make sure it's not putting out a weak voltage. That's the best way I know.

How big is the cap?

Originally Posted by Tidder

charge it, then get like a 12 volt LED, hook it up, and see how long it stays lit. minute or 2 should be good. If that works, charge it again, and hook up a volt meter and make sure it's not putting out a weak voltage. That's the best way I know.

it wouldn't burn out the led? its like .5 farads i think.

thanks for the info though

if you got a good cap it should come with a charging card and what i was told is that after its charged if you put the card back on ( dont charge it ) just see if the green led comes back on if it does your good to go.

Originally Posted by Elderm007

if you got a good cap it should come with a charging card and what i was told is that after its charged if you put the card back on ( dont charge it ) just see if the green led comes back on if it does your good to go.

ah i got it used.. i wonder if i just stuck a volt meter on it after charging it that might work.. if all else fails i can stick a screwdriver across the poles and see what kind of spark i get

nice, I would go with the screwdriver, it will only sting for a sec

Use a volt/ohm meter. Put it on ohms, the resistance should increase as the cap charges from the meter. Switch to volts, voltage should drop as the cap discharges through the meter.

Originally Posted by mhorton

Use a volt/ohm meter. Put it on ohms, the resistance should increase as the cap charges from the meter. Switch to volts, voltage should drop as the cap discharges through the meter.

thanks, i'll try that.