What is it? (component)

Size and shape is identical to a 1/4 watt carbon axial lead resistor.

Body is glass-like and has a red band on each end.

Markings are: 104M - - 50V - - WC - - 8421

Analog ohm meter reads infinity but slowly drops to about 5 meg in about 10 seconds time. Readings in both directions are identical.

Thanks for the help,
Ivan Vegvary

 

"Ivan Vegvary"

** Class encapsulated, ceramic capacitor.

100nF, 20% tolerance 50V rating - made in the 21st week of 1984.

Likely manufactured by Unitrode.

Old Peavey guitar amps were full of them - easily mistaken for zener
diodes.



..... Phil

 

Yes, the giveaway was the "104".

Michael

 

"Michael Black"

** Must be one of them rocket scientist types ....





..... Phil

 

Somebody's fingers are holding the test leads against the capacitor leads
and increased pressure causes the reading to drop?

Michael

 

Cause the cap was charged in one direction, then the leads were swapped
and the meter reads infinity until until the charge polarity changes and
then it measures leakage resistance.
Until someone tells me better.
Mikek

 

Except, it's a .1uF capacitor, not really going to hold a charge

Michael

 

Compared to the input resistance of the meter? What's going to
discharge it?