And another suggestion is the Ott Task Lamp (Ott model number OTL13TCG). You
can view their complete line of lamps at www.ott-lite.com. This is a color
corrected light that you can even carry with you. In addition to trying to
figure out resistor color codes I tie trout and bass flys which requires
paying attention to subtle colors, this light helps. Along with the flip
down magnifier I've had pretty good luck so far.
Rick
WA3TUU
From: "W3FPR - Don Wilhelm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: W3FPR - Don Wilhelm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interpreting Color Codes
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 12:13:52 -0500
Folks,
Part of the blame for color confusion lies with the part manufacturer. I
have many older resistors in my junkbox and the color bands are bright and
clear - these older color bands are saturated colors and easy to read at a
glance under most any lighting condition, so I know it is not my eyes
getting dim!!!. Unfortunately though, I don't forsee the situation getting
any better since the component manufacturers primary market is to
production lines using automatic insertion devices, and for that market,
any reasonable marking will do the job, even if it is not 'people
readable'. Bearing witness to this fact is the unmarked SMD capacitors.
We folks who have to read the values manually have to take 'second seat'
(or maybe even the rear seat).
The best tool I have found for myself is a small lighted handheld magnifier
with fresh batteries - you can buy these for less than $5 at places like
Wal-Mart, Target, local drugstore, etc. I use it for viewing the 'fine
print' on capacitors as well, and the only color I have trouble with is
violet and occasionally red/orange because many of the red pigments are not
well saturated, they are more 'bright orange' than an actual red - yes my
wife concurs and she has a keen color eye.
73,
Don W3FPR
----- Original Message -----
After having built a K2, KX1 and numerous other homebrew gear, I have
noted
by my own observations and comments of others some confusion as to exactly
what colors are being observed on small parts, usually resistors and RF
chokes.
Having been in the printing business for some years, I can say that color
perception is often skewed by the light used for viewing. Incandescent
lighting
seems to be the least accurate for determining the correct colors,
particularly
yellows, oranges, and browns. Many times I have used sunlight (if
available)
or sought out a fluorescent lamp (cool white with at least 5200K
temperature)
to properly interpret colors. When in doubt, I use a meter to confirm the
value.
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [email protected]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [email protected]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
