I'm attempting to recap a locally (Christchurch) made mono valve amp and have come across a Ducon suppressor condensor (Type B, PN471) with a wee diagram on it that looks like it involves a 0.1 mfd (X type) and two 0.005 mfd (Y type) caps. Does any one know where I can get some replacement caps for these? Any help gratefully received.

G'day Hamish,

The only place I know of that may be able to help is Resurrection Radio in Ashburton, Victoria.

This site has a services directory which can be accessed from the link 'Directory' near the top of the page. This contains the names and addresses of many businesses that offer spares for radios and I am sure that one would be able to help. It may help to pay by credit card too as I am not sure about the acceptability of overseas cheques or money orders.

You should be able to use any 600 volt rated capacitors if you really must replace them! If this involves capacitors from the mains input to earth, it was done to suppress unwanted noise from other appliances (motors for example), all equipment made these days is mae to stringent strandards and this should not be a problem, so you can leave it out, or just fit the cap element between the Active and Neutral lines. Heres the big crunch the capacitance wired bewtween the line (active) and earth can and WILL play havoc with RCD devices (the earth leakage protective circuit breakers) that are now installed in all new and many retro-fitted house distribution boards.