Tag: IG-102

The Heathkit IG-102 signal generator has this big 20 μF 150VDC electrolyic capacitor that has 2 leads on the positive side and one lead on the negative side. It looks like an axial capacitor, but I’ve never seen one with two leads on one side before.

Although it doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of failing, given the unknown age of the signal generator I thought it might be a good idea to replace it with something new. I’m thinking I should replace it with two caps, one for each lead on the positive side. Don’t have any axial caps in the parts bin, but there are plenty of 20 and 22 μF radial electrolytic caps. No new 20 μF caps though.

Might have to go shopping.

Did some surgery to replace the old connectors on the Heathkit signal generator with BNC connectors.

I thought it might be a bit of a challenge, but turned out easier than expected. The center of the connectors turns out to be just a hole/eyelet, so a bit of heat on those center contacts to melt the solder was enough to free the wires connected to them.

Once that was done, it was a simple matter to remove the connectors and replace them with a couple of BNC connectors. Solder the wires into the center connector of the BNC and done! While I was at it, I also replaced the yellow 0.01 μF capacitor with a new one.

Looks pretty spiffy and modern now with the BNC connectors. Still not entirely sure if it works or how well it works, but at least now it’ll be easier to connect the signal generator to stuff.