I am building a skitzo quad and drawing inspiration from th Oscar Lang article.
https://oscarliang.com/skitzo-mini-quad-build/
I the article he puts a 25v 470 uf capacitor in parallel to the main pdb.
I just need to know how to make sure I put the capacitor on with the right polarity.

Usually the cap ground is marked with a stripe of a different color - usually the same that is used to print text on it

KonradS is right. Usually it's pretty obvious to spot that marking and it is the most reliable way to tell the polarity. You can also look long leg ( + ) and short leg ( - ).

I had some readily available for a photo opp.

Same as stated above just a pic for reference (I too had to look this up during my first build)

Thanks. I know it's a softball question. Just wanted to get it right.

Measure twice, cut once
The people here are great for double checking ourselves! If you dont find it searching the forums here, dont be afraid to ask. Good luck with the build!

Imho i will suggest to solder a larger capacitor on pdb if you do not use a cap for every esc. 1000uf 25v low esr (Panasonic fr series are the most durable) is a good choice. Be careful about polarity. They will get puffy and maybe explode if polarity is reversed.

(04-Apr-2017, 02:40 AM)Jk007 Wrote: Thanks. I know it's a softball question. Just wanted to get it right.

I still ask these folks questions that I know the answer to. It's the best way to know that I am not wrong! 

The way I figure it, no question is a "softball question"... but instead a chance to start a conversation that maybe someone else is not sure if they should ask!

I found that on newer equipment, we only need a cap to get better video or stop video blackouts on punches, this usually happens more with an OSD involved,
I put the CAP just on the 5V and not the battery input, it helps, you can put a smaller cap (lower voltage rating) and higher capacity, around 500uf usually does the trick.

Make sure you use a good quality low esr cap, otherwise it won't really work.

I've got a few of these, can be used video connections or on ESCs
https://www.readymaderc.com/store/index....ts_id=6526

(04-Apr-2017, 02:40 PM)sevet Wrote: I found that on newer equipment, we only need a cap to get better video or stop video blackouts on punches, this usually happens more with an OSD involved,
I put the CAP just on the 5V and not the battery input, it helps, you can put a smaller cap (lower voltage rating) and higher capacity, around 500uf usually does the trick.

You bring up a good point on this post. Two questions arise from your comments.
1. What is the difference between higher uf capacitors and lower uf?
2. What is low esr?

This may will be useful in helping people choose.

To Oscar: Possible article idea?...  I think so.

(28-Mar-2018, 05:58 PM)Jk007 Wrote: You bring up a good point on this post. Two questions arise from your comments.
1. What is the difference between higher uf capacitors and lower uf?
2. What is low esr?

This may will be useful in helping people choose.

To Oscar: Possible article idea?...  I think so.

https://oscarliang.com/capacitors-mini-quad/

LOL. That was one I didn't search your site for... Thanks.

I love it how Oscar answers all questions with a link.