Just finishing assembling my Polivoks board. If I’m not using the 10u tantalum cap at C2, should I just bridge it?
What’s the advantage of using this component?
a|x
If you plan to bridge, get a new 1054 before trying…
Tantalum caps have a very low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), that means they are very “fast”. The LT1054 Voltage Converter that generates the -5V for the Analog Parts needs low ESR Caps to work, actual Electrolytic Caps have a sufficient low ESR, so you can go without the Tantalum Cap, you just make life a bit easier for your brave little LT1054.
IF you want to know why not just bridge try measuring the resistance of any Cap 
OK, thanks for the explanation, Frank. Have ordered a tantalum cap 
Everything else done now, except for the display.
a|x
YO Alex,
you can try anytime without the Tantalum Thingy…
I picked one up from my local Maplin earlier. God, that place is pricey! It’s a 10 minute walk away though, so handy for those little bit I forgot to buy online.
a|x
What did you pay?
£0.99
Resistors are £0.39. Each.
a|x
Autsch.