(January 2005):

pcX, along with all world-wide distributors and OEM users of Black Gate electrolytic capacitors, were informed this last Spring that Rubycon (the sub-contract manufacturer) has apparently decided that they will no longer produce the Black Gate range of capacitors for Jelmax Corporation in Japan (B-G's designer/patent holder). Both Jelmax, and their export agent, have confirmed that if this does come to pass, it will spell the end of Black Gate production by mid-2005 (although distributor/OEM orders are required to be placed by no later than the end of 2004). For whatever unspecified reason, finding another sub-contractor is not an option for Jelmax, apparently.

pcX recommends that those who read this, and who have (or will have) projects that require Black Gate capacitors, buy what you need now - don't wait !

There are no equivalent quality replacements for any of the Black Gate types - period !

Given this fact, pcX is endeavoring to stock up B-G inventories as best we can (as much as we can afford) for the period after mid-2005 (the expected end of production deliveries)....but we can make no guarantees as to how long these stocks will last beyond this date.

(April 2005):

pcX was just informed that JELMAX had successfully negotiated the on-going production of it's B-G caps, with it's sole and current sub-contractor - RUBYCON.

(June 2005):

pcX was just informed from B-G's Japanese export agent that RUBYCON has "changed it's corporate mind" on continuing as the B-G subcontractor for JELMAX...once again throwing into jeopardy the on-going production of B-G caps - beyond August 2005.
As a result of this surprising turn of events, Jelmax is apparently attempting to re-negotiate the production extension yet again....if unsuccessful, we have been told that factory production shipments will cease within the next 2 months.

(July 20th 2005):
pcX was just informed from B-G's Japanese export agent (and from sources within Rubycon) that negotiations to extend Rubycon's "subcontract" production of B-G, have failed. Thus, final factory orders will be accepted until Friday August 5th....that's it !

pcX has already been accumulating substantial stocks, to ensure sales of the most popular values, for years to come....and we will make one more "last buy", to top up these, and a few more values too (factory deliveries of which, will continue into the late fall, we suspect - due to standard lead times).

Thermionic