Silver and Tantalum capacitors is what I found. Been studying and scratching my head in a "dazed and confused" mode. Determined to put all my resources to work in finding the different types of tantalum capacitors. Mostly rereading every post on this subject here at SMF, dealing with Tantalum capacitor things. Started by looking at all the PCB'S that I had previously sorted to low grade or had depopulated. I concentrated on the boards that I had depopulated first. Why those? simply because less to look at and less components to scrutinize on those boards. I chose to further focus on two types, the metal axial-leaded and the epoxy/ceramic "gum drop" dipped tantalum capacitors.
The Tools: I used my eyes aided by magnifying glasses (5 x's magnification) looking for the plus sign markings on both the board and the capacitor. Then once finding these capacitors I used a scrapers best friend, a magnet! Finding all tantalum capacitors have magnetic properties. The many previous post on SMF, both descriptions and pictures (big help) for identifying conformation. Dremel rotary tool with a cut-off wheel to remove capacitors from board. Also used manufacturers data sheets for final conformation. Utilized both digital scale and micrometer for documenting weights and dimensions.
Conclusions: When I started on this today I had zero Tantalum Capacitors with a value of zero. I now have a little over 100. They weigh as little as .2 to 9 grams each and I have over three ounces. The SMD and "gum drops" weigh almost nothing, the wet Ag/Ta's weigh a little bit more (7 to 9 grams) each. With most all scrap prices down right now and Tantalum capacitor scrap paying from $20 to $80 per pound. I just want to find more alternative ways to earn money for what I already have. With the silver/tantalum paying $5 per ounce, that's better than $.50 per pound for aluminum. I got a long way to go, but I got started on the elusive tantalum thing!
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