Is there continuity between the 2 wires? How flexible/ductile are the wires? Doesn't look computer related, possibly electrical related.This is an old component I ran across in my parts-drawers recently and was unable to identify, you folks got any ideas?
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Similar certainly, but not quite a match. Those are marked with dots and usually have the name molded onto the casing.Looks like a vintage radio or tv capacitor that has been trimmed - see if this google search helps you out
vintage "el menco" capacitor
Nope! I have a Cen-Tech 61593 multi-meter. Capacitance range of 2nF to 20uF.Don't you have a universal component tester?
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That would tell you if it was a capacitor. I was wondering about a spark gap...
point was not to match them, it was to suggest this is a capacitor similar to the El Mencos. There are plenty without dots, etc.. I agree with g4ugm - a capacitance meter would help.Similar certainly, but not quite a match. Those are marked with dots and usually have the name molded onto the casing.
Definitely looks similar casing materials/era though!
I have one similar to that and has been well worth the money!Basically what I suggested at #4. However, the range of the OP's meter isn't good enough to check caps in the pF range, as Dave suggested in #10--so of course it reads zero.
I recommend getting one of these if you're strapped for cash. Really pretty good at answering "What is this" questions. There are multiple copies of this open-source project on Amazon and eBay.
That is correct, they are a filter capacitor, often 0.1uF with an integral air spark gap. Typically, you will find them in CRT circuits on the CRT's gun electrodes as DC filter devices and protective spark gaps. Often they take the form of a thick looking ceramic capacitor, with a slot sawn in the top of it. Sometimes spark gaps are present in some CRT systems, but they are less obvious. Some manufacturers built them into (inside) the CRT's base socket and you would not know they were there, unless they deploy. I think (as I recall) the IBM-5153 VDU has integral spark gaps in its CRT socket, I would have to check.I should note that ceramic capacitors are often notched like that for high voltage applications to allow some arcing if the voltage gets too high.
Dwight