---
title: "Capacitors in the Timex/Sinclair 2068"
id: "58940"
type: "page"
slug: "capacitors-in-the-timex-sinclair-2068"
published_at: "2025-02-10T13:50:34+00:00"
modified_at: "2025-02-10T13:51:11+00:00"
url: "http://localhost/computers/timex-sinclair-2068/technical/capacitors-in-the-timex-sinclair-2068/"
markdown_url: "http://localhost/computers/timex-sinclair-2068/technical/capacitors-in-the-timex-sinclair-2068.md"
excerpt: "When it comes to vintage computers, one of the first pieces of advice is “replace the capacitors.” And for many older computers, this is good advice. The Timex/Sinclair 2068 has only a few capacitors that you could potentially be concerned..."
taxonomy_model:
  - "Timex/Sinclair 2068"
taxonomy_indiv:
  - "Carl Miles"
---

When it comes to vintage computers, one of the first pieces of advice is “replace the capacitors.” And for many older computers, this is good advice.

The Timex/Sinclair 2068 has only a few capacitors that you could potentially be concerned about. And, as it turns out, most are still ok and don’t require replacement.

In February 2025, [Carl Miles](/indiv/carl-miles/)
 measured the values of these capacitors in the T/S 2068. The data are below.

##### PCB REV.: 335-850001-03A Serial# P06-67P2

| Capacitor Designation | Value uF | Voltage | Diameter | Lead Spacing | Freq @120Hz Actual Value uF | Actual D @120Hz | Actual Q @120Hz | Actual ESR @120Hz | Actual Theta @120Hz | Manufacturer | Date Code | Series | Temp °C | Capacitor Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C3 | 470.00 | 25V | 13 x 31 | Axial | 461.40 | 0.062 | 16.02 | 0.1 | -86.4 | SAMYOUNG | CE02W | SL | 85 | DC Input Filter |
| C21 | 1.00 | 50V | 5 x 13,5 | Axial | 1.04 | 0.025 | 39.5 | 32.2 | -88.5 | SAMYOUNG |  | SM | 85 | RESET Filter |
| C40 | 1000.00 | 25V | 16 x 31 | Axial | 957.10 | 0.063 | 15.58 | 0 | -86.2 | SAMYOUNG | CE02W | SL | 85 | Power Supply Filter +5V |
| C41 | 47.00 | 16V | 6,5 x 14 | Axial | 37.82 | 0.09 | 11 | 3.1 | -84.7 | SAMYOUNG |  | SM | 85 | Power Supply Filter +12V |
| C58 | 100.00 | 16V | 6,5 x 18 | Axial | 88.72 | 0.072 | 13.79 | 1 | -85.8 | SAMYOUNG |  | SM | 85 | Composite Video |
| C60 | 100.00 | 16V | 6,5 x 18 | Axial | 81.71 | 0.096 | 10.35 | 1.5 | -84.4 | SAMYOUNG |  | SM | 85 | SCLD Power Filter |

So are these capacitors good or bad?

| Capacitor Designation | Value uF | Freq @120Hz Actual Value uF | Percent Difference (Less than +/-20% Considered Good) | D Factor (<0.100 Considered Good) Actual D@120Hz | Q Factor (>10 Considered Good) Actual Q@120Hz | Actual ESR@120Hz | Theta > (-80 Considered Good) Actual Theta@120Hz | Percent Difference(< -10% Difference Considered Good) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| C3 | 470uF | 461.4uF | -1.829787234 | 0.062 | 16.02 | 0.1 | -86.4 | -4 |
| C21 | 1uF | 1.0375uF | 3.75 | 0.025 | 39.5 | 32.2 | -88.5 | -1.666666667 |
| C40 | 1000uF | 957.1uF | -4.29 | 0.063 | 15.58 | 0 | -86.2 | -4.222222222 |
| C41 | 47uF | 37.82uF | -19.53191489 | 0.09 | 11 | 3.1 | -84.7 | -5.888888889 |
| C58 | 100uF | 88.72uF | -11.28 | 0.072 | 13.79 | 1 | -85.8 | -4.666666667 |
| C60 | 100uF | 81.71uF | -18.29 | 0.096 | 10.35 | 1.5 | -84.4 | -6.222222222 |

All the capacitors are realistically good. The 47uF (used for the +12V Supply filter cap) and 100uF cap for the SCLD Filter arguably could be considered for a replacement (the measured capacitance values for these capacitors are getting close to -20% and their Q factor is getting close to 10). There certainly are no BAD caps here.