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About Dave Nyce
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I have been an electronics engineer for 25 years. I can answer questions on analog and digital circuits and my specialty is sensors.

Experience
I am the inventor on 23 US patents, and also some foreign ones. Developed sensors for over 25 years. Licensed private pilot (airplane and rotorcraft), have HAM radio license. I'm not an expert in computer networking.
   

You are here:  Experts > Computing/Technology > Job Searching: Technical > Electrical Engineering

Questions Answered By Expert  Dave Nyce 
In Category  Electrical Engineering

SubjectDate Asked

recharageable batteries1/5/2009
  Q: power consumption. I just wanted to know how much electricity is consumed when charging rechargeable ...
  A: The cost of power to charge small batteries is very small. For charging a laptop battery with a ...
DC12/22/2008
  Q: I have a lot of battery powered toys and was wondering if one can convert them to run on a dc ...
  A: To figure the voltage, multiply the number of cells (i.e. AAA, AA, C, or D) that comprise the ...
Operating electrical tools 50 Hz to 60 Hz12/21/2008
  Q: I had several tools such as bench grinder, cordless drill, circular saw, jig saw, router, all that ...
  A: If they are just motor-driven, without electronics, they should run OK with no problem. If they ...
Pioneer SA-9500 diagnose12/21/2008
  Q: I have a vintage pioneer SA-9500 amplifier, after it powers up--circuit can hear click, and I have ...
  A: It sounds like there is a circuit breaker (or thermal overload interrupter) that opens up and then ...
Guitar Amp Head/Cabinet Impedance...HELP!!!12/11/2008
  Q: Saw one of your articles online and was impressed, so I figured you'd be a good "go to" guy, ...
  A: I'm not familiar with your terminology, but it seems that by "heads", you mean the amplifiers, and ...
Math for electrical engineers12/10/2008
  Q: How much math does an electrical engineer need?
  A: Of course, I use algebra every day. I often use trigonometry and geometry. Sometimes I use the ...
alkaline batteries12/9/2008
  Q: are store brand alkaline batteries(i.e.walgreens) just as good as dura cell or energizers? or is it ...
  A: It used to be the case that Dura Cell was significantly better than the others, as evidenced by ...
Ceiling fan wiring12/5/2008
  Q: I am wiring a ceiling an with light to the electrical box on the ceiling, but there is no earth wire ...
  A: The earth wire (ground wire) is supposed to be connected so that you won't get a shock if you touch ...
servomotor12/2/2008
  Q: I need to know the difference between servomotor and normal motor.
  A: I assume that you have an idea of the definition of a "normal motor". A servomotor includes a ...
capacitors, circuit stability11/19/2008
  Q: how do i decide on the capacitors required for filtering noise in an electronic circuit? i have ...
  A: Your questions are somewhat general, and I'd need more info on what you're trying to do in order to ...
opamps, relays, pumps11/18/2008
  Q: OPAMPS: opamps have high input impedance and so take very less current at their input pins. then ...
  A: In a voltage follower, I would not put a resistor in series with the op amp input (non-inverting ...
LVDT Modelling10/31/2008
  Q: Ok, I have a really challenging one for you: I have an LVDT that I need to run at a pretty high ...
  A: Almost all LVDTs will work fine with an excitation frequency of 6 kHz. To test, connect a variable ...
LVDT Modelling10/30/2008
  Q: Ok, I have a really challenging one for you: I have an LVDT that I need to run at a pretty high ...
  A: I'd have to see the spec you're looking at to be sure. Most specs for an AC LVDT don't list the ...
LVDT Modelling10/30/2008
  Q: Ok, I have a really challenging one for you: I have an LVDT that I need to run at a pretty high ...
  A: 600 Hz is a fairly low frequency for the excitation of an LVDT. The most common frequency used on ...
how to Sense tile stepping?10/27/2008
  Q: i'm doing a project for spastic children in which i'm required to detect the stepping of a child on ...
  A: A good way would be to bond a strain gage sensor (such as a metal foil type) to the bottom of the ...
how to prevent probes' corrosion?10/27/2008
  Q: i'm an electronics student. i was building a water lvl controller(based on water conduction). i'm ...
  A: It would be better to coat the electrodes with a non-conductive protective coating and to measure ...
Bug Zapper Transformer10/26/2008
  Q: Hey Dave, I've got an old Bug Zapper laying around and i was wondering if it was possible to take ...
  A: The transformer itself will not generate a continuous high voltage when only it is connected to a 9 ...
ac to dc power conversion9/22/2008
  Q: Actually I'm responding / questioning an answer from Cleggsan but he is not accepting new ...
  A: The calculation is correct if the right numbers are used. Unfortunately, most equipment and ...
Operating an AC relay on DC8/4/2008
  Q: I have a 120 VAC relay operating on 48 VDC. The relay operates fine and the coil isn't as warm as ...
  A: That is possible, and depends on the magnetic hardness of the core material. You can't be sure ...
4-20 mA signal conditioning8/1/2008
  Q: I have a level sensor factory scaled for 0-10 psi. I actually need a range of 5-6 psi. Is there a ...
  A: The closest thing I know of is the Transpak by Action Instruments. It has up to 80% turndown, which ...
Fuses7/10/2008
  Q: Is it correct general purpose fuses are used to protect against overcurrent faults and thyristor ...
  A: Both types will open up in the event of an overcurrent, which also occurs with a short circuit. But ...
rtd interfacing7/1/2008
  Q: sir i need to interface an RTD with the 8086 microprocessor. this is a part of my project at a ...
  A: 1. You can buy an RTD signal conditioner with a digital output type that you'd like to use. They ...
Half Wave Voltage Multilier Problem6/13/2008
  Q: I hope you can help me with this problem. I have one of those Tennis Racket electronic bug zappers ...
  A: If you have 1500V, it looks like the diode rated voltage is too low, at 1000V. You need to change ...
Battery and UPS6/11/2008
  Q: I am going to purchase UPS of 3KVA. Company is offering a UPS with 120 AH. what is the advantage of ...
  A: 3kVA (3000 volt-amps) means that it can power a load of 3 kW (3000 kilowatts) if it is a resistive ...
Trying to save the environment..6/4/2008
  Q: I have an old NEC battery charger, which list its output as: Vcc: 13.0V- 0A/1.7/2.8A VCV: 13.0V - ...
  A: Sorry, but that won't quite work. To fully charge a car battery, it has been traditionally agreed ...
DC to AC Inverters5/21/2008
  Q: How concerned should I be that a modified sine wave inverter, converting 12v DC to 120V AC, will ...
  A: I don't think there would be any problem with a radio, CD player, TV or stereo, since they convert ...
Charging my laptop with 110V and 400 HZ5/14/2008
  Q: I fly very often and some pilots friendly allow me to recharge my laptop batteries using the ...
  A: Your charger should have a listing of the acceptable voltage range and frequency range. Mine says ...
Voltage regulation4/22/2008
  Q: My original idea was to use the stator and regulator from an old motorcycle, but 1/8" not enough ...
  A: The cooler probably takes at least 40W, so your load would total at about 100W. If it is providing ...
Current limiting - expansion on previous4/10/2008
  Q: I have (as a hobby) built an electrolysis cell for my car that splits water into H2 and O2, and ...
  A: The simplest way would be to make a 5A current limiter using an LM338, and then use 4 of them in ...
electricial wiring4/5/2008
  Q: can you explain to me how a relay works and explain a dry contact and it's purpose
  A: A relay has two main functions: an electromagnet, and a switch. An electromagnet is a coil of wire ...
electrical3/25/2008
  Q: what are the advantages and disadvantages of 220v,50hz in india and 110v, 60hz in usa.
  A: The 50 or 60 Hz makes very little difference. 60 Hz has a slight advantage in product design, ...
help..3/24/2008
  Q: my question.how to Convert 5vDC To 12vDC.?
  A: To convert 5VDC to 12VDC, you would use a switching regulator circuit. There are integrated ...
EET3/23/2008
  Q: 1)why do cells connect in parallel 2)what is a shunt resistor
  A: I'm not sure that I understand your question, but here goes: the cells of a battery are normally ...
dry contact water sensors3/21/2008
  Q: I'm looking into getting a Sensaphone system with water sensors to help me ensure that my basement ...
  A: From your description, there are water sensors that have dry contact outputs, and those connect to ...
Great invention3/9/2008
  Q: Dave how do you have an electronic invention assessed with out it being stolen?
  A: You can do it yourslf, or you can hire a patent attorney. A patent attorney is legally bound to ...
Charging batteries3/4/2008
  Q: I have an invertor installed at my home incase of power failures. It employs a 12v 150Ah battery. I ...
  A: It would be a lot of work to build one, with a transformer, rectifier, filter, voltage regulator, ...
electrical problem2/29/2008
  Q: why is it that electrical power is transmitted at high voltage?
  A: Power is transmitted at high voltage in order to reduce loss over the transmission wires. At a ...
Voltage between two GNDs of two independent SMPS?2/28/2008
  Q: I have just lost the firewire port of my camcorder to bad luck... I wanted to verify the tale of a ...
  A: That's theoretically possible, but would require that both camcorder and computer be referenced to ...
pic light chaser2/26/2008
  Q: i'm trying to build a pic light chaser using pic16f84 with 16 leds. can you tell me which pins to ...
  A: There may not be enough pins to run each LED on a separate PIC pin. Anyway, light chasers usually ...
9v dc to 1.5v dc for led2/22/2008
  Q: I am in the process of altering an EMF meter. I have already installed a switch allowing me to cut ...
  A: It depends on how much current is needed to make the LED provide the amount of light that you need. ...
Smallest Battery for LED2/7/2008
  Q: Sorry apart from plugs and speaker wire I am completely new to electroncs. My plan is for a ...
  A: You can use a small battery if you use an efficient red LED that provides a good amount of light ...
AC relay's contacts in DC circuit2/6/2008
  Q: Can the normally open/closed contacts of a relay, which is being energized by an AC ciruit, be wired ...
  A: The contacts will work with DC, but the voltage and current ratings will each be about five times ...
Interview Questions2/5/2008
  Q: 1. What is the starting salary for someone in the electrical engineering field? 2. What is your ...
  A: I started my own company 5 years ago (www.rev.bz), and so I work mostly by myself, but 5 or 6 ...
Current boost circuit2/3/2008
  Q: I have a circuit that has a light-duty battery - 3V, 240mAH. The circuit is in 'sleep' mode, ...
  A: Maybe you glossed over my answer too quickly: I did not say 0.47 uF, I said 0.47 F (0.47 Farads, ...
Current boost circuit2/2/2008
  Q: I have a circuit that has a light-duty battery - 3V, 240mAH. The circuit is in 'sleep' mode, ...
  A: 240 mAH means that the battery can supply 240 mA for 1 hour. It does not mean that the current is ...
Line regulation1/28/2008
  Q: A circuit requires 3v at 1A. Does it matter if I use a 3v 150 Ah battery as the source? What does a ...
  A: It's OK to use the 150 Ah battery: it means that it can supply 1A for about 150 hours. Normal ...
Lamp Dimming using a resistor?1/27/2008
  Q: I would like to thank you in advance for any advice you can offer on my question. I live in UK and ...
  A: Sorry, but simply adding a series component is not really practical for several reasons: if you ...
Rating1/19/2008
  Q: I got an unknown capacitor with " E 222k 2kv" printed on top of it. What does this mean and what ...
  A: The many capacitor manufacturers don't use all of the same codes, but this should be it: Of ...
60 to 50 hz1/17/2008
  Q: I read the answer regarding various appliances and equipment designed for 60 HZ but running on 50 ...
  A: It's difficult to say for sure without knowing what circuit is used inside, if it doesn't state that ...
Dry Contacts1/16/2008
  Q: Dave, I'm an electrical engiener who recently began working in industrial automation, we use dry ...
  A: I'm not sure that I understand your question. A set of dry contacts is the same as a SPST switch. ...
Diodes12/29/2007
  Q: In a circuit that carries about 5kv, can we use 1N 4007 diodes ? In 4007 diodes have a PIV of 1000v ...
  A: to place them in series is very tricky. they each have different characteristics and don't share ...
Voltage12/28/2007
  Q: In a series voltage multiplier of n stages , do all the n capacitors have the same voltage rating? ...
  A: The voltage across each capacitor becomes greater with each successive stage, and so the caps need a ...
LF Timer Circuit12/20/2007
  Q: I'm trying to design a circuit that produces a short pulse every minute or so. Problem is, the ideal ...
  A: The simplest way is to use a CMOS dual one-shot ic, like an LTC556. It only takes about 100 uA at ...
LF timer12/20/2007
  Q: I'm trying to design a circuit that produces a short pulse every minute or so. Problem is, the ideal ...
  A: The simplest way is to use a CMOS dual one-shot ic, like an LTC556. It only takes about 100 uA at ...
ELECTRIC12/11/2007
  Q: I'M SPANISH ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT, I'VE NEVER GOT CLEAR WHY SOMETIMES WE TALK ...
  A: I don't know what you mean by a "Font". If you use water as an analogy, voltage is like the water ...
ELECTRIC12/11/2007
  Q: I'M SPANISH ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT, I'VE NEVER GOT CLEAR WHY SOMETIMES WE TALK ...
  A: It is incorrect to refer to "voltage consumption". Voltage is the potential difference across two ...
DC generator12/10/2007
  Q: I am making a mini DC generator and it needs to be variable wattage, approximately 20 watts with a ...
  A: You will probably run it at a constant speed to keep the ripple low, and you will probably run a ...
Battery Preservation12/10/2007
  Q: Since one usually has to buy batteries at a store in packs, how can I store the batteries I don't ...
  A: I used to keep batteries in the refrigerator years ago (without a plastic bag). But now, the ...
Temperature Sensor Interface11/13/2007
  Q: I want to build a temperature sensor to input into my pc, and use that input to change the speed of ...
  A: Several companies sell temp sensors that connect via USB, like the one on this webpage: ...
Electrical11/11/2007
  Q: How to do meggering? what are the procedures?
  A: "megging" is done by using a megohm-meter (also called a megger), in order to test insulation ...
generator breaker size11/7/2007
  Q: If i have a 250KW diesel generator at 230volts 3 phase. What size circuit breaker should be ...
  A: If you take the 250 kW and divide it by 230 volts, then divide it by the 3 phases, you get 362 amps ...
Surround Sound Speakers10/15/2007
  Q: The previous owners left Bose surround sound speakers and I plan to hook them up to my Sony ...
  A: As long as you connect both speaker cables in the same way, it doesn't matter. If they are not the ...
residential wiring10/10/2007
  Q: Let's say we have a simple AC residential circuit with a black "hot" wire, white "neutral" wire and ...
  A: The neutral wire is always at or near ground potential, so that's why it's not called the "hot" ...
residential wiring10/9/2007
  Q: Let's say we have a simple AC residential circuit with a black "hot" wire, white "neutral" wire and ...
  A: The neutral wire is connected to ground at some point in the local wiring system. (e.g. it is ...
low voltage dc9/18/2007
  Q: I need to reduce the dc voltage on a remote control helicopter/gyro from approx 1.2v to .6v. There ...
  A: If you add a series resistor, then you'd first need to know the current draw from the gyro. But the ...
About volage droop in Alternators9/18/2007
  Q: What is the function or tell me about the happening of voltage droop in Alternators.
  A: The best way to explain this is to send you to this webpage: ...
power suply9/17/2007
  Q: I bought a 15 inch flat screen tv which is powered by transforming 240v to 12 volt. Would I be able ...
  A: I don't know what you mean by "leisure battery", but does the "240v to 12v transforming" mean that ...
relay9/17/2007
  Q: i am currently designing a moisture sensor circuit.the circuit uses a 9V BATTERY as a supply ...
  A: The 741 can only supply a few mA, and probably can't power the relay coil directly. You can connect ...
CT meter9/7/2007
  Q: Please explain the different between CT meter and direct meter for the electrical supply from the ...
  A: The electromechanical induction meter (which I think you are calling a direct meter) operates by ...
project name9/4/2007
  Q: I am final year student of B.E(electronics).Now i am making my final year project.My question is ...
  A: What you have sounds OK. As another possibility, how about MIDAS (like the King for whom ...
AC Relay Signal to DC Dry Contact9/3/2007
  Q: I'm working on a bit of a home project. What' I'm looking to do is connect my Firex alarm system to ...
  A: The card is looking for a set of dry contacts, which means that it needs to have its two terminals ...
Sensors, Circuits9/2/2007
  Q: I'm an electrician and my job ends at the receptacle so to speak. Would you, in a nutshell, explain ...
  A: That's a very broad subject, so I'll limit my response to your example of a temperature sensor. A ...
power adaptors - digital devices9/1/2007
  Q: 1) If a device such as a print server, 10/100 switch, external drive, etc. has an input power ...
  A: 1. The voltage rating must be the same. The current rating can be the same or anything greater than ...
60Hz Device on a 50 Hz supply8/23/2007
  Q: I just bought a subwoofer from US that runs on 111V 60 Hz. I live in india where the supply is 220V ...
  A: If you match the voltage correctly, it should be ok. The difference between the 50 and 60Hz will be ...
Electrical(9v wire connection to AAA connection)?8/20/2007
  Q: how can i change a 9v connection(device uses 9V batter ), to a Tripple A connection( I want to be ...
  A: No. The radio needs 9 volts, but one triple A cell has only 1.5 volts. You would need to follow my ...
Electrical(9v wire connection to AAA connection)?8/20/2007
  Q: how can i change a 9v connection(device uses 9V batter ), to a Tripple A connection( I want to be ...
  A: I'm afraid that this will be fairly complicated. You'll need to use a switching regulator circuit ...
want a simple circuit..8/16/2007
  Q: "I want a simple circuit to control one lamp from three independent two way switches"
  A: Since there is not an easy way to draw a schematic on this website, the best way for me to answer ...
Parallel Termination question8/15/2007
  Q: On a PCB tranmission line trace, one of the popular way to terminate the signal is to place a ...
  A: Actually, it doesn't quite work that way because the transmission line comprises inductance and ...
LM3914 used with 0-1V voltage input signal7/30/2007
  Q: I have PCB kit from Jaycar I'm trying to modify to do what I want. All the LEDs are on a common rail ...
  A: Please look at the data sheet at http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM3914.pdf The outputs of the ...
Valve Positioner6/14/2007
  Q: Goodday. Would like to ask the operation behind valve positioner and I/P converter. Hoe do these ...
  A: A valve positioner is a device that is connected to a valve to drive the valve to the desired ...
Adapter voltage question6/12/2007
  Q: I'm looking for some advice about power adapters. I have an old sequencer that I acquired without ...
  A: Most likely, 12V would not damage it, but you can't say for sure without knowing the internal ...
Power Adapter vs Charger5/26/2007
  Q: First of all I hope you have a good day. I've lost my Ni-Cd battery charger, could I use AC-DC power ...
  A: It took me a little longer to respond because I couldn't get the website to work. In order to ...
Power Adapter vs Charger5/26/2007
  Q: First of all I hope you have a good day. I've lost my Ni-Cd battery charger, could I use AC-DC power ...
  A: adapters are not specified well so you will also need a meter. you need a voltage about 1 to 3 v ...
Internal Resistance5/15/2007
  Q: backstory: we were setting up a bouncy-castle in a field (which uses a big fan), and a long ...
  A: A permanent magnet DC motor with standard brush commutation can be controlled somewhat by varying ...
notebook computer car adapter5/4/2007
  Q: Yesterday we received a new HP notebook computer from a dealer because they could not fix the ...
  A: Sorry to say that in order to completely answer your question corrctly, I'd have to see the ...
modeling a LVDT5/3/2007
  Q: need some advice: Have to model a LDVT using a transfer function. Some data sheets provided a ...
  A: No LVDT manufacturer specifies the frequency response of an AC:AC LVDT. That's because the ...
modeling a LVDT5/2/2007
  Q: need some advice: Have to model a LDVT using a transfer function. Some data sheets provided a ...
  A: I'm not sure that I know what your question is. An LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) ...
motors, electronics, transients.5/1/2007
  Q: I'm installing a wireless RTD transmitter next to a 5hp moter on a movable structure. I'm using 230 ...
  A: Sorry to say that this is an area where good information is difficult to find. Most sources would ...
Rice cooker4/18/2007
  Q: How does a rice cooker knows when to off the cooker?(how the cooker knows the rice has been cooked?) ...
  A: You put in a measured amount of water, and the amount of water determines how long it will steam. ...
Jump start4/18/2007
  Q: When we want to jump start battery, why is the sequence are 1.connect + lead to dead battery ...
  A: For a lead-acid battery as in a car, it is better to use constant current charging (I). The voltage ...
Jump start4/17/2007
  Q: When we want to jump start battery, why is the sequence are 1.connect + lead to dead battery ...
  A: The car body is connected to the battery negative (called negative ground). If you connect the - ...
Battery Ah4/17/2007
  Q: I still can not capture the meaning of battery Ah. Could you explain.
  A: If a battery has a rating of 1 Ah, then it theoretically can supply a current of 1A for a time of 1 ...
reducing voltage4/16/2007
  Q: First of all I don't know very much about electronics. So anyway , I built a lighthouse to sit in ...
  A: Yes, but it would be a lot to explain in this forum. If it's DC, you can add a voltage regulator. ...
Speaker4/14/2007
  Q: I was thinking of buying the following amplifier: ...
  A: You can use 6 ohm speakers if they meet at least the power rating of the amp. The power you get may ...
selsyn/synchro transmitter4/12/2007
  Q: Goodday, Could you brief about this or maybe recommend some website. I browse through websaites, but ...
  A: If you are only measuring a shaft angle, then you use a synchro. The synchro shaft is mechanically ...
selsyn/synchro transmitter4/12/2007
  Q: Goodday, Could you brief about this or maybe recommend some website. I browse through websaites, but ...
  A: First read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selsyn So, as you turn the shaft on the synchro, you ...
Gyro4/7/2007
  Q: What is Integarting Gyro and Rate Gyro?
  A: A rate gyro indicates the rate of turn, with an output indicating angular degrees per second. A ...
Meanings of Dry Contact4/5/2007
  Q: I always heard about 'dry contact'. What is meant by this?
  A: A dry contact is a set of 2 switch contacts, like a set of contacts from a relay or from a toggle ...
Battery Charging Condition4/2/2007
  Q: Goodday Here we have a charger which charges 2 banks of battery. The system is operating where for ...
  A: It depends on the battery and on the charger circuit. If the battery is the type that has a memory, ...
FPGA4/2/2007
  Q: sir, i have been in to digital design for last 8 years. i had started with discrete component ...
  A: A field programmable gate array contains a large set of logic elements that are interconnected by ...
AC and DC Capacitor4/1/2007
  Q: Goodday.. For UPS inverter or rectifier, there are AC and DC capacitor. From what I know, capacitor ...
  A: There is no such distinction as between an AC or DC capacitor. If you rectify an AC, the voltage ...
Current Loop Explaination3/31/2007
  Q: Goodday.. For a 4-20mA loop we have 4 major components those are the sensor/transducer, ...
  A: There are a lot of possibilties. Are you installing a new system, or trying to understand what is ...
Battery Charging Amps3/31/2007
  Q: I was told there is rule of thumbfor battery charging amps. For Nicad is 25%xAh and SLA/VRLA is ...
  A: That is true and correct for many cases, but you have to check the specific cells that you are using ...
Current Loop Explaination3/31/2007
  Q: Goodday.. For a 4-20mA loop we have 4 major components those are the sensor/transducer, ...
  A: Normally, only one device would be used to measure the temperature and generate the 4 to 20 mA ...
4-20mA signal3/28/2007
  Q: I still dont understand the concept of this 4-20mA signal. Could you give some example of system. I ...
  A: I'll use an example of a temperature sensor that has a range of 20 degrees to 120 degrees. When you ...
CT meter3/24/2007
  Q: I'm trustee for a Baptist Association building. The city utilities are charging us a demand rate ...
  A: To get the current in each phase on a 3 phase 208VAC line when the power dissipation is 66kW and ...
CT meter3/24/2007
  Q: I'm trustee for a Baptist Association building. The city utilities are charging us a demand rate ...
  A: Yes, it does not seem fair because you are paying more for a given amount of energy. Yes, the meter ...
CPT3/23/2007
  Q: do you ever heard about CPT -Current Position Tansmitter. Could youexplain how it works and for what ...
  A: I haven't heard of that term before, so I looked it up on the web. The term CPT is specific to a ...
installing an under the cabinet lumiere3/6/2007
  Q: I am installing an under the cabinet light. I have to install teh on/ff switch to the outlet plug. I ...
  A: Their description is talking about the plastic insulation on the wires, along the part of the cord ...
battery packs3/1/2007
  Q: So, let me get this straight. I can go with higher amps, much higher without causing damage to my ...
  A: Yes, that's right. You have to have the voltage right so that the device will work properly. But ...
battery charging system2/28/2007
  Q: That was my assumption too, I even thought go with #10 or even #6 to be safe at that distance , But ...
  A: I'm assuming that 30A is the max charge rate, but the normal rate should be something like 3A. 12 ...
battery packs2/28/2007
  Q: first i want to thank you for sending me a reply, I found it very usefull. But I still have one ...
  A: A 12V car battery would provide power for a longer time than the D cells. I picked the D cells ...
battery charging system2/28/2007
  Q: we have a battery charging system we want to install It's input is 120 volts,14.5 amp to run. ...
  A: If you are running 30A for up to 150 feet, you should use 12ga wire for each run. That gauge will ...
One last thing2/21/2007
  Q: Okay, one last question. I'm only asking you because you've given me the most straightforward ...
  A: It seems that you might have the diode connected in backwards, because the ammeter reading should be ...
electric baseboard heating2/19/2007
  Q: I have an electric baseboard heater built in to the wall (that needs to be replaced) that is 120 ...
  A: No, not easily. In order to use the 240 volt heater, you'll need to run another wire from the power ...
miliampers2/18/2007
  Q: i want to buy a high power led rgb 700 miliampers. but i was told that miliampers is not miliamps. ...
  A: It seems that you were told wrong. Milliampere means one thousandth of an ampere. An ampere is a ...
bicycle generator2/18/2007
  Q: me again. I now have 2 options. I actually got a 1000v diode with a 1amp rating. I know that it ...
  A: I don't remember what your question was, but I think you were trying to charge a battery by ...
c.t2/17/2007
  Q: What is the purpose of calculating knee point voltage for Current transformers?
  A: A current transformer is an instrument transformer in which the secondary current is substantially ...
Mains Tester1/28/2007
  Q: Having bought a mains tester (a screwdriver that has a neon that lights up when you touch the hot ...
  A: The neon lamp takes so very little amount of current to light, that only the capacitance from the ...
Bicycle Generator1/27/2007
  Q: I recently put together a bicycle generator. I used a 12v fan motor for my generator. I can power a ...
  A: When you pedal the generator, one of the two leads is the positive one. You can check which one by ...
RTD1/25/2007
  Q: Goodday Dave I have questions regarding RTD. I guess we can consider it as a sensor. First of all, ...
  A: I'm not sure that I understand all of your question, but I think this will provide the answers you ...
Electric tools1/24/2007
  Q: Is there a tool available for measuring amps used by a lamp or appliance? What is it called? I ...
  A: It's called a clamp-on multimeter. You can get one for $99 at Northern Tool: ...
Thermocouple Test1/21/2007
  Q: A few days back, i saw an instrument engineer use a meter to check a thermocouple. I was told the ...
  A: 1. A complete thermocouple connection includes two junctions: one is the measuring junction, and ...
Correct power supply required for home project?1/18/2007
  Q: One follow up question though regarding your statment "AT LEAST 2amp". If were unable to locate ...
  A: As long as the voltage rating of the power supply is correct, it doesn't matter if the current ...
Correct power supply required for home project?1/18/2007
  Q: I've connected four small (identical) fans together in parallel (the type used in computer power ...
  A: When you first turn on a DC motor, it has a much larger current to get started. After it's up to ...
Positioner1/17/2007
  Q: I came across this word several times. But I dont actually unserstand what it is and how does it ...
  A: It is a general term used in motion controls. In a motion control system, you generally have a ...
Sensor/transmitter 4-20mA1/15/2007
  Q: Meaning to say from from power supply there will be a +ve and -ve terminal that goes to the ...
  A: Yes, the power supply would be a constant 24VDC and capable of supplying more than 20mA. You can ...
Sensor/transmitter 4-20mA1/15/2007
  Q: Could you explain a bit about the sensor using 4-20mA signal? How does it relate (sensor/transmitter ...
  A: I'll explain a temperature sensor as an example to get started. If you have a 4 to 20 mA temperature ...
Reverse current1/8/2007
  Q: I really need a formula to calculate that current. I need to calculate that protection diode to use ...
  A: The exact current only needs to be calculated for the purposes of an electronics math class. In ...
Reverse current1/8/2007
  Q: I have a circuit with a battery (Vvolts), an inductor with a diode in parallel and a key When ...
  A: Short explanation: When current is passing through the inductor with the key closed, the coil ...
IGBT/MOSFET Converter (DC-DC)1/3/2007
  Q: I noticed in most dc-dc converter, they use flyback converter ( correct me if i wrong ). There ...
  A: There are many configurations of Dc-Dc converters. They store a charge in an inductor or capacitor. ...
Gas Turbine Generator12/24/2006
  Q: 1.In the protection system of generator, there is under/over frequency relay. How does this relay ...
  A: 1. There are several ways. One way is to use a counter that counts the frequency signal for a fixed ...
differential signal12/23/2006
  Q: I see in some documents people say that we can transmit differential signal.But I do not understand ...
  A: A typical single ended signal could be with two wires, where one has a voltage of either 0V or 5V, ...
Meggering12/10/2006
  Q: 1.What is the concept behind meggering a cable and the voltage we inject?Why we inject? 2.Let say ...
  A: I would not call it "injecting" a voltage. I would call it "applying" a voltage. With two ...
automotive electrical system12/8/2006
  Q: computers are able to receive and process both analog and digital signals. True or False?The EEPROM ...
  A: The actual "computing" part of any modern "computer" only works with digital data. When analog ...
Information Request11/29/2006
  Q: Today we are contacting you in regards to our engineering Design and Development project. We are two ...
  A: I assume that your intent is to prevent someone from getting their finger or hand caught in the door ...
Short Circuit Faults11/24/2006
  Q: Would appreciate your assistance to answer the following (in layman terms if possible): - What is ...
  A: When a circuit is expected to be connected in a particular way, but instead there is a relatively ...
208v 3 Phase Power Aggregate Draw Higher Than Predicted11/20/2006
  Q: I have 26 servers each drawing 1.2 amps. They are plugged into a power tower taking one three phase ...
  A: This is a little complicated to answer. Three phases with each one having 16 A is not the same as ...
reduce voltage11/20/2006
  Q: I have an outlet in my house that puts out over 240 volts. I'm afraid to plug anything into the ...
  A: Don't connect any 110V device to the 220 V line. It will be damaged. Unfortunately, you probably ...
Diode Question11/16/2006
  Q: You say a 30A diode. What voltage rating do I look for?I use one of those portable power packs in ...
  A: It should be rated for 60 volts or higher. The reason that it is so much higher than 12 volts is ...
ECM Motors11/15/2006
  Q: I have the endbell of a GE ECM motor for an Amana air handler with a small nickel sized device ...
  A: In your rating, you mentioned that you could not ask a follow up question. Unfortunately, there is ...
engineering11/15/2006
  Q: what was it like when you first started working?
  A: When I first started working, it was sunny, about 70 degrees, the birds were singing... (just ...
Diode Question11/15/2006
  Q: I use one of those portable power packs in my car to jump the car if the car's battery dies. My ...
  A: The cathode of the diode should be toward the battery pack positive lead. The diode should be rated ...
Faraday Cage/Ice pail effect11/7/2006
  Q: If I wrap a radio in thin tin foil so the foil acts as a faraday cage, the electric field of the ...
  A: A changing magnetic field induces eddy currents in a conductor, and therefore causes loss of the ...
220V from China10/27/2006
  Q: I'm not sure if you can help, but I wouldn't be suprised either from your profile! I have a machine ...
  A: You might want to get an electrician to help you, since it can be dangerous to install AC wiring. ...
Mouse powered electricity10/18/2006
  Q: How could I make a light bulb light up with a mouse running on it's wheel?
  A: I don't know how much you may know about electronics, but here's what I think would be the simplest: ...
Reduce Volts and Amps9/28/2006
  Q: How can I get 2 Volts and 30 Amps out of 12 Volt car battery. Thankx Pete
  A: You can use a switching regulator integrated circuit like the one at the webpage ...
series circuit9/24/2006
  Q: why is the current the same in qll series circuits?
  A: When you measure a current of 1 ampere, for example, flowing through a section of a conductor, it ...
Flow measurement9/13/2006
  Q: Actually when Temperature changes from day to night about 20c in summer then the pressure drops in ...
  A: Again, it depends on the system. It may be whatever is controlling the pressure has a sensitivity to ...
Transformer electrostatic screen9/12/2006
  Q: Some transformers have a sheet of metal around the primary winding which is grounded and acts as a ...
  A: The shield is intended to reduce electric fields, but also reduces the magnetic field a little, ...
flow measurement9/12/2006
  Q: I m working on a project of my semester.project is for controlling gas regulating valve(so to ...
  A: Yes, it is the universal gas law (a combination of Boyle's laws). P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2 This means that ...
current to volt8/27/2006
  Q: Followup To Question -Hi i have a problem in designing a circuit that converts a current of range ...
  A: If you had exactly 24 volts, then you could use a voltage divider from 24V, and an op amp to buffer ...
220 to 1108/27/2006
  Q: I have received a gift a few weeks ago, it is a welding machine, i think this is good, but what is ...
  A: I think there is no practical, low cost way to do it. The current taken by the welder varies, it ...
photo sensors8/25/2006
  Q: I am doing som work on a boat and need to use a photo sensor in an area that is usually well lit . ...
  A: You're talking about a phototransistor. If a semiconductor is doped with extra electrons as charge ...
electricity generation from low heat source8/24/2006
  Q: I read with interest your answer regarding thermopiles+vg. Do you think it is possible to produce ...
  A: In order to generate energy with a thermopile (such as a set of thermocouples with a "hot"-side ...
current to volt8/15/2006
  Q: Followup To Question - Hi i have a problem in designing a circuit that converts a current of range ...
  A: If you only have a 24V supply, then you can't use the series reference IC that I suggested. ...
filter in PLL8/10/2006
  Q: In PLL, we use a lowpassfilter, but its name is 'loop filter', people don't call it lowpass filter. ...
  A: It's just a low pass filter that is tuned for the frequency that's needed for the loop, but it's ...
current to volt8/9/2006
  Q: actually i have an idea of a resistor of 250 ohms, this will lead to have 5 volts when the current ...
  A: You can use a 1.25V reference IC, such as a Texas Instruments REF2912 (available from Digikey.com), ...
current to volt8/8/2006
  Q: actually i have an idea of a resistor of 250 ohms, this will lead to have 5 volts when the current ...
  A: It would be easier to use a resistance of 312.5 ohms. Then the voltage would be 1.25 to 6.25 volts, ...
AC motor direction7/23/2006
  Q: How do you determine the direction of a commutator motor (serial wound motor) running on AC current? ...
  A: It can be very difficult to tell the direction by looking at the motor when it is not powered. In ...
Finding a UPS for an LCD projector!7/15/2006
  Q: i hav recently purchased a SONY(VPL-EX3)LCD projector. It's power comsumption is 220Watts when ...
  A: Yes, a 600 VA supply would be fine, if it is rated for 240V input power. The VA rating is ...
Polarity & GFCI7/10/2006
  Q: Your answer was very helpful. Yet, I do not understand the part about the neutral and ground being ...
  A: When an electrician wires the power box, he connects the neutral line to a ground. The ground is ...
Volts vs. Watts7/7/2006
  Q: I need to replace an adapter for my stepdaughter's notebook. Her old adapter (her dog chewed the ...
  A: Wattage is the amount of power used. It is the voltage multiplied by the current (in amps). You ...
Polarity & GFCI7/6/2006
  Q: What is electric polarity ? How can it cause electrocution? What is crossing wires(i.e. crossing ...
  A: Polarity: Electrical current is the flow of electrons. An electron has a negative charge. In an ...
PLL block7/4/2006
  Q: In basic PLL block there is an amplifier (after the low pass filter), but I don't known Why we need ...
  A: Not all PLL diagrams show an amplifier. It is not really a functional block, but is shown because it ...
filter7/1/2006
  Q: In some filter circuits, there are an amplifier circuit. I do not why we need an amplifier after ...
  A: You can use a passive R/C or L/C filter without an op amp, but its performance will change if the ...
Heating Element in Electric Water Heater6/14/2006
  Q: If I put a fork in a toaster, the fork will conduct electricity into my body. Water is also a great ...
  A: The water heater elements have a thick insulating jacket over the electrical resistance wire through ...
cmos technology6/13/2006
  Q: I see many people say '0.5 um technology, 0.18um technology ...'I don't understand What it mean. Do ...
  A: When designing an integrated circuit, you are placing a pattern on the substrate so that ...
signal conditioning6/12/2006
  Q: sir, I am astudent of industrial electronics engineering.We are making our project in which we ...
  A: 1. the lvdt is driven by an oscillator. the oscillator for that ic can be set from 20Hz to 20kHz. ...
mosfet parameter6/12/2006
  Q: I see there are many mosfet level (level 1, level 2, level Bsim ...).Each level has many parameters. ...
  A: I answered this question yesterday, but it looks like it didn't send. So, here it is again: Yes, ...
transistor with inductive load5/30/2006
  Q: I am not a electronic student but I like it very much. So I learn it by myself. And I have a problem ...
  A: Yes the equivalent circuit for driving a relay is an inductor. When powered, the inductor has a ...
electricity5/24/2006
  Q: why do you NOT need 3 wires for 220 volts and you need 2 for 120v or do you need 3 wires for 220v's
  A: I assume that you're asking about the wiring in a house in the USA. There are two phases of 110VAC ...
digital disply5/19/2006
  Q: I have 0Vdc to 5Vdc analog signal.I want to see it on 7-segment desply in such away that when input ...
  A: The simplest way would be to buy a digital panel meter. You can get one from digikey.com for less ...
Inductor time constant L/R5/17/2006
  Q: I can see that a low resistance would allow enough current to flow so the inductor would generate a ...
  A: In order to fully discharge a charged inductor, it does not discharge a fixed amount of current. ...
converting amps5/13/2006
  Q: I Want To Run An Air Compressor In My Van It Is Two Horse Five Gallon And Draws 14.5 Amps ...
  A: I'm sorry to say that it would not be practical to design and build a "power inverter" (as that type ...
12v dc to 120 v ac5/2/2006
  Q: Electrical Engineer Questions What is the best way to figure out this question? If I have a 12v dc ...
  A: Different types of AC motors (shaded pole, AC/DC, capacitor start, etc.) have different amounts of ...
Inductor time constant L/R4/18/2006
  Q: It is obvious why a capacitor discharges slower with a larger resistance but exactly why does an ...
  A: With a low resistance, the inductor discharge current generates a back EMF to limit that current, ...
Piezo Transducer to light an LED4/6/2006
  Q: Nyce. I am working on an idea I came up with, but I am very new to electronics, and it seems like I ...
  A: First, it would be good to know if the piezo was able to put out enough energy to run all of those ...
7-segment4/3/2006
  Q: I want to know how can a point be moved on 7-segment display when using 7447 decoder. For ...
  A: The 7447 does not drive the decimal point. You use a transistor and series resistor for each ...
Induction3/13/2006
  Q: The "howthingswork" site decribes the way a transformer works by talking about the electric field, ...
  A: As I mentioned earlier, we are talking about the same thing in different ways. And to me, it doesn't ...
Induction3/11/2006
  Q: We know that a changing magnetic field generates a changing electric field... Now, if you take a ...
  A: It sounds like you are talking about the same thing in different ways. A changing magnetic field ...
Electrical Appliances Conversion3/7/2006
  Q: I am aware of the voltage differences between the USA and UK. I am perplexed by what do do with a ...
  A: Bad news: Simple devices can be operated with an inexpensive converter from Radio shack that ...
Ground on PCB3/3/2006
  Q: on a printed circuit board is it true that generally the ground rail runs round the outer edge of ...
  A: It is common for 1 sided and 2 sided PCBs to have a ground rail around the edge because there are ...
LEDs2/22/2006
  Q: Is it possible to hv a LEDs circuit, where the number of LEDs on are depends on the supply voltage. ...
  A: You're in luck! The LM3914 integrated circuit from National Semiconductor does exactly what you ...
sensor info.1/30/2006
  Q: plz. tell me about some sensor which can be used to measure liquid level.I know about some ...
  A: If the liquid is a dielectric (electrical non-conductor) you can use two metal plates that you can ...
Ohm quandry...1/30/2006
  Q: Dave, I am hoping you can help me! I have a stereo power amplifier that is rated at 200 watts at 4 ...
  A: You can operate your 8 ohm speakers with that amp with no problem. The only consideration is that ...
op amps1/30/2006
  Q: In a op amp, if both inputs are grounded, what would cause a voltage to be present at the output?
  A: You should not ground both inputs of an op amp. If both inputs are grounded, the op amp still has ...
electronic circuits/electronic theory1/29/2006
  Q: what i think i know: speakers are powered by ac electricity, the frequency of which directly causes ...
  A: If you just want to produce a tone at the line frequency of 50 Hz, then you can use a transformer ...
I/v convertor1/25/2006
  Q: I want a circuit for i/v convertor.I know opamp as I/V convertor but it is for low current.I have 0 ...
  A: You will need two op amps: one for an inverting I/V (we'll call it the -I/V stage) and one to invert ...
Fuse & switch ratings: amps v watts1/21/2006
  Q: This is probably really basic but... I'm adding a lamp with a 300W bulb to a 24V mobility scooter ...
  A: For your fuses and switches, you need to look at the amps, not the wattage. And actually, the ...
LVDT1/16/2006
  Q: I want a circuit for signal conditioning the LVDT.If u can help me then plz. send me a solution.I ...
  A: Developing signal conditioning circuits for an LVDT is a part of my business, and involves a lot ...
About relays1/8/2006
  Q: I wanted to make sure one more thing. The relays used in this circuit are all DPDT? because i think ...
  A: I thought that you were asking about RL1, because those contacts are shown. I can't say for sure ...
About relays1/6/2006
  Q: visit the following link. http://electronicsworld.tripod.com/remotecontrolsimages/2.gif this is ...
  A: The relay shown is DPDT (double pole, double throw). The diode has to be added. The reason for the ...
about a project1/2/2006
  Q: sir, i want to design a electronic circuit.It would be given a ac supply and the amount of current ...
  A: There are several books on the subject. Also, application notes are available from the voltage ...
Driving Impedance12/18/2005
  Q: What is meant by the term "driving impedance"? For example, would the driving impedance of an ...
  A: I would not use a term such as "driving impedance" without explaining it. I suppose that they are ...
Electromagnetic Currents11/20/2005
  Q: Does electromagnetic current flow faster through a wire if it is thicker? I would think that it ...
  A: It looks like you sent this question a few days ago, but I just received it a few minutes ago. I ...
Transistor operation11/20/2005
  Q: My question is about how to think about a transistor in relation to the rest of a circuit.... I'll ...
  A: It seems like you are getting a good understanding of how a transistor works, but I avoid comparing ...
Mercury switch replacement11/10/2005
  Q: I'd like to know if there has been any recent development of products to replace the functionality ...
  A: Analog Devices Corporation makes an accelerometer integrated circuit. It has a machined silicon ...
Signal DEveloping Resistor10/21/2005
  Q: On the webpage I asked about, a bias resistor is connected to the emitter of the transistor but is ...
  A: In the single resistor one, some base current is provided so that the base junction becomes forward ...
Signal DEveloping Resistor10/20/2005
  Q: This webpage: http://www.tpub.com/content/neets/14180/css/14180_68.htm shows R1 being a resistor to ...
  A: As shown, the Q1 circuit is not complete. The base needs a resistor to a positive voltage to ...
RC coupling10/16/2005
  Q: In RC coupling between amplifier stages where R1 C1 and R2 are used... why do you need R1 and R2? ...
  A: Only the capacitor is needed to couple the AC signal, but the next amplifier stage needs to have its ...
Load Resistor10/11/2005
  Q: When studying power supplies a load resistor is placed in the circuit... is this there in a ...
  A: A power supply normally supplies power to a circuit. That circuit is called the load for the power ...
transformer back emf10/9/2005
  Q: A magnetic ballast (inductor) used with a neon lamp produces a voltage spike to start the tube that ...
  A: In a switch mode power inverter (also called a boost converter), the output voltage goes up and down ...
400 hz generator10/5/2005
  Q: I have a 400 hz, 3-phase, 15KW military surplus diesel generator. Can this be converted for use as ...
  A: I'm sorry to say that there is really no practical way to convert the alternator. However, you could ...
Dish arial10/3/2005
  Q: Basically, Why can't we use normal aerials (dipoles either hertz or marconi or even a standard Tv ...
  A: The signals from satellites are in the microwave range, with periods of only a few centimeters. So, ...
Two guitar amps, one speaker9/25/2005
  Q: Followup To Question - Thanks for your service! I feel like this must be something elementary; ...
  A: Now I see the problem. There is no way that the tube amp can drive the speaker if the solid state ...
Two guitar amps, one speaker9/25/2005
  Q: I feel like this must be something elementary; hope so. I set up an arrangement with 1/4" phono ...
  A: I read your email several times, and couldn't quite understand your connection (sorry). The main ...
Two guitar amps, one speaker9/25/2005
  Q: I feel like this must be something elementary; hope so. I set up an arrangement with 1/4" phono ...
  A: The main amp probably uses a 4 or 8 ohm speaker. The tube amp may need a different impedance ...
Is this power charger ok to use9/23/2005
  Q: I live in Australia and recently bought a Carbon Rio 6GB MP3 Player from the USA which shipped with ...
  A: Your understanding is exactly correct. I don't think there is a problem due to the 800 mA rating. ...
Can I splice a power supply and limit voltage?8/31/2005
  Q: I have two devices that need to be powered, and they are different voltages. One is a small 12v ...
  A: Yes, you can run the fan from a 12V source, and use a resistor in seires with the Peltier cooler (if ...
simple illumination principle8/30/2005
  Q: does a 40 watt fluorescent lamp give more lumen output than a 20 watt fluorescent having same brand? ...
  A: Yes, a 40w fluorescent lamp will have more light output (measured in lumens) than a 20w lamp of the ...
Lamps in Series8/23/2005
  Q: If you have a christmas lamp set which has 20 12V lamps in series running on the mains (UK 240VAC) ...
  A: Saying that "current kills, not voltage" is very misleading. It takes something on the order of only ...
Watts8/13/2005
  Q: If I wanted to buy an appliance, let's say a toaster oven and there's one with 1500 watts and ...
  A: 1500 watts means that it takes more power than 1200 watts, and generates that much more heat. The ...
Inductor/Ballast and Transformer size8/8/2005
  Q: If you charge up an inductor with a 9V battery until it is magnetized and then remove the battery ...
  A: I'm not sure that I fully understand your questions, but: If you suddenly open the circuit after ...
converting light into sound8/4/2005
  Q: can u plz give me an idea on how to convert light frequency into sound frequency? I want to make a ...
  A: Radio Shack catalog # 276-5015A is an Engineer's Mini-Notebook. On page 27 is shown the schematic ...
Electric current flow8/1/2005
  Q: If I had a 30cm metal ruler (conductor) with a cm scale on one side and an inches scale down the ...
  A: The lowest resistance path on the metal scale would be directly between the electrodes, so some ...
About signal cables7/28/2005
  Q: In many of the books & catalogues they mention signal screened must earth in one end only.that is ...
  A: It is often possible that there will be a voltage difference between the "grounds" at each end. If ...
DC Generator excitation7/8/2005
  Q: I have a question about dc generators. On a dc generator, this one in particular is on a engine for ...
  A: If a generator is the type that does not use permanent magnets, then it has a field winding to ...
Transformers6/26/2005
  Q: Is a transformer's current rating the amount of current the transformer can deliver SAFELY? I would ...
  A: Transformers are rated in various ways. To understand the capability of your particular ...
static electricity6/3/2005
  Q: Is there an electronic device or ciruitry which will produce a "static-electric" charge? (Not a ...
  A: Yes. A negative ion generator can be a static electricity generator if you provide a capacitor for ...
Generator Torque5/18/2005
  Q: If you have a 115V generator and connect a lamp to it you will get 115V across the lamp. If you ...
  A: The generator provides electrical power to the load, as voltage times amperage. A motor provides ...
Solar panel charger5/17/2005
  Q: How do I go about buying a solar panel that will charge a 6.5 AH, 24v NiMH battery pack? What do I ...
  A: A NiMH battery requires a specific charging method, or it can catch fire. I searched on the web ...
Transformer & Turntable5/11/2005
  Q: A transformer is a coil (or 2 coils) of wire round an iron core. Does a transformer have insulation ...
  A: The wire for winding a transformer or a speaker coil is coated with a varnish for insulation. ...
HT and Valve without bias...5/2/2005
  Q: If a transformer is HT, it means it has a high internal resistance (many turns) and if you ...
  A: Applications requiring high voltage normally don't require much current, so a relatively fine wire ...
Circuit Question4/27/2005
  Q: I was wondering if you had a circuit that would perform a task i have. I need a circuit that will ...
  A: What you want is called a monostable multivibrator, or one-shot. You want one that is not ...
Screened cable4/25/2005
  Q: Also, just to check, In the centre of the board there is a big metal can which contains 3 ...
  A: The 8uF seems too big for a coupling capacitor, so it could be a power supply filter, as you ...
Vintage resistors4/18/2005
  Q: Going on the assumption that they are resistors (what harm can it do!?) RED, BLACK, RED, BLACK = 2k ...
  A: If you can guess approximately what voltage appears across a resistor, you can divide that voltage ...
Vintage resistors4/18/2005
  Q: I am (still) repairing a 1962 HMV record player. In the circuit there are 4 light blue colored ...
  A: They sound like resistors. I've seen some that were hollow tubular, with the leads coming off the ...
Thevenin's Theorem4/9/2005
  Q: Why Thevenin's Voltage across an element in a circuit containing only single dependent source is ...
  A: I guess I don't understand your question. According to Thevenin's theorem, any network of ...
Capacitors4/5/2005
  Q: I need to replace 2 capacitors in a 1961 Vacuum Tube amplifier.... One is an electrolytic and it ...
  A: Yes, black is the negative lead and red is the positive lead of the polarized capacitor. Yes, you ...
Electrical conversion4/3/2005
  Q: I am american and I live in BELGIUM. We bought a 220V hot tub which was supposed to be 220v European ...
  A: I do not recommend what you are proposing. A hot tub needs special care to prevent a possible ...
Diode3/31/2005
  Q: I've always assumed that the mark on a diode at one end indicates the cathode, and most diodes I ...
  A: If it is a two-leaded device with a line at one end, the line always indicates the cathode. There ...
what are logic gate...3/30/2005
  Q: what are logic gates
  A: The most popular voltage standard is 5 volts, so I'll explain based on a 5 volt system. A voltage ...
A/D CONVERTERS3/21/2005
  Q: HOW R U SIR. I WANA TO ASK U THAT WHAT IS MEANT BY DUAL SLOPE ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERTER AND HOW WE ...
  A: A DS A/D converter uses an integrator with a voltage output that ramps up at a rate proportional to ...
line output/flyback tranformer3/15/2005
  Q: In a CRT, the flyback transformer generates the high voltages for the final anode (output from LOPT ...
  A: The flyback is only needed for blanking the return to the left side of the screen because that has ...
TV Blanking Interval3/9/2005
  Q: Does the electron beam switch off during flyback (both horizontal and vertical). If the electron ...
  A: Yes, your understanding of the scan is correct. The cathode is not turned on and off, and so there ...
Dangers and measurement of electricity3/7/2005
  Q: Nyce, My name is Aravind Kannan. I am doing a project in high school which involves the use of ...
  A: I know that 24 volts is considered safe for skin contact, but I don't know what voltage causes ...
electromagnetic wave energy2/23/2005
  Q: I believe that the higher the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the more energy it has because ...
  A: You can transmit a given frequency by using more or less power. A small radio control airplane uses ...
Alr8 Dave, this is not a homework...2/23/2005
  Q: Alr8 Dave, this is not a homework question!! Im a GCSE student and i am making an electronic ...
  A: I assume that you have a digital BCD output and want to drive a 7-segment LED. There is an IC for ...
Air Compressor motor malfunction2/20/2005
  Q: I have found an old air compressor marked "needs new motor" and I love learning about anything so I ...
  A: There are a lot of different ways to make motors. Most are not made for disassembly. You will ...
Transformer and element hum2/19/2005
  Q: Why do resistive heating elements produce a humming noise when running on AC? Different websites ...
  A: Hum in a transformer could be greater with some DC, because the DC would create a constant magnetic ...
potential transformer2/19/2005
  Q: I see transformers in the sense of the law of conservation, energy cannot be detroyed or created. If ...
  A: If a normal power transformer (two or more isolated windings, iron core) is operating while the core ...
Lighting Technology2/18/2005
  Q: I have a question and I'm not sure if it's something that you can help with but perhaps you can at ...
  A: There was not enough information on either website to make a decision, although the LongArm website ...
modulator/mixer2/15/2005
  Q: In diagrams of am and fm radio transmitters, you always see the modulator labelled as an IC, but how ...
  A: In AM, the audio signal causes amplitude changes of a fixed carrier wave (for example, the carrier ...
555 pin 4 and RFI supression2/12/2005
  Q: I know that on a 555 timer pin 4 is RESET, with a 555 astable circuit, pin 4 is connected directly ...
  A: With an astable or monostable connection, the reset pin is connected to V+. If you want to reset a ...
Variable gain control2/8/2005
  Q: On a guitar amp there is a variable gain control which is another potentiometer, it is set high when ...
  A: The amplifier could be designed either way. On my guitar amp, it has "clean" and "lead" settings. ...
LCD2/4/2005
  Q: I have red contradicting articles on the web about how LCDs work. Some have said that when a DC ...
  A: Some LCDs are transmissive, so that light only shines through when they are "on" (and the characters ...
Quartz Oscillator2/1/2005
  Q: When a continuous pulling or compressing force is applied to a quartz crystal, a potential ...
  A: When you bend or compress a crystal, it produces an instantaneous voltage difference, as you know. ...
Ballast1/30/2005
  Q: A fluorescent lamp used to require a magnetic ballast. The lamp also ran on AC. If the ballast ...
  A: The older type of fluorescent circuit used a starter switch (with a heater and bimetal switch. As ...
Transformer1/26/2005
  Q: In a transformer where you can adjust the core (i've seen a few of these in Radio frequency ...
  A: Inserting the core further into a transformer increases the amount of energy that can be transfered ...
transformer maintenance1/21/2005
  Q: Our transformer rating is 6600V/230V, no problem with the incoming voltage however secondary results ...
  A: I'm sorry, but I don't have enough information. That voltage is just a little out of what the spec ...
UK Electricity1/16/2005
  Q: I just moved to the UK and am adjusting to, among other things, the electrical distribution system. ...
  A: The simple "converter"s have only a series diode for operating heaters, AC/DC motors and such on ...
Led Question1/16/2005
  Q: I am working on a project that i need some leds. i need 14 red leds (1.7V, 30 mA max, 1500mcd) to ...
  A: You could use 2 sets of 7 LEDs in series, and connect those two sets in parallel to an 18 volt ...
Difference b/w 8086 & 80881/13/2005
  Q: SirI want To ask You That in the begining 8086 Intel microprocessor came and it was 16-bit but when ...
  A: The 8086 was intended for use in a personal computer (PC). The next in the series for PCs was the ...
Battery/electrochemical reaction1/8/2005
  Q: Do batteries produce electrons in a circuit or move them round (provide them with energy to move)? I ...
  A: A battery does not create more electrons. It causes the atoms or molecules with extra electrons to ...
Series circuit1/8/2005
  Q: I did an practical experiment in my school. The experiment was to make a series circuit with three ...
  A: Apparently, the assumption that each bulb has the same resistance was not correct. When a bulb ...
Telephones1/5/2005
  Q: If a telephone's bandwidth is around 4khz, which is enough for adequate voice coverage, how come you ...
  A: The telephone bandwidth includes the performance of the mouthpiece at one end and the earpiece at ...
sine wave generator12/24/2004
  Q: my sine wave generator generates sine wave. but when is connected to circuit sine wave cuts in max ...
  A: It sounds like the sine wave is being clipped because the signal level is too high for the input of ...
Electrodes12/17/2004
  Q: This is Aravind, I am sorry for not phrasing my question right. This is the question I need the ...
  A: You can connect the wires directly to the battery, but it is easier to do if you buy a battery ...
electromagnetic waves12/17/2004
  Q: I understand that accelerating electric charge through air (spark gap radio) and acclerating charge ...
  A: Electromagnetic waves can be generated at very low frequencies, but it requires a very long antenna ...
Electrodes12/17/2004
  Q: My name is Aravind Kannan, I am a Freshman at Cedar Park High school. I am doing a semester project ...
  A: I'm not sure that I understand your question. If the bacteria are contained in an electrically ...
Clock12/14/2004
  Q: How does the clock generator in a PC actually work? Is it a piece of quartz crystal set to resonate ...
  A: A clock pulse generator is an oscillator circuit that has an output going from logic zero to logic ...
bandwidth12/12/2004
  Q: I understand FM has an audio base band bandwidth of about 20khz, is that restriction imposed by the ...
  A: With an FM transmitter, you have a carrier frequency, for example 100 MHz. There is an input signal, ...
Waves12/9/2004
  Q: If low frequencies travel further and higher ones are more directional, if i transmit at a lower ...
  A: Lower frequencies can "go farther" only because they can be less affected by obstructions and the ...
electrical engineer12/7/2004
  Q: do you enjoy what you do?
  A: I don't know why, but this question just popped now. It looks like you sent it two days ago. Yes, I ...
Walkie Talkie12/5/2004
  Q: How come walkie talkies, which operate on such a low freq around 49Mhz i think, have such small ...
  A: The crystal controls the frequency, and does not affect range. The range is affected by the power ...
Antenna's11/30/2004
  Q: Ive got a really nice FM transmitter, but the aerial is about 170cm (90Mhz) which is half ...
  A: You can make it 1/4 wavelength, and it will work about 70% as good. You can make it work a little ...
dual-slope integrating ADC11/27/2004
  Q: Based on what I've learned so far, the key relationship for such an ADC is: Vin / T1 = Vref / T2 ...
  A: The digital output is based on T2/T1 * Vref. When T2 is very small, then the input reading it ...
Fm Transmitter11/24/2004
  Q: Ive got a basic tank circuit and am modulating it with a 1khz square wave, but im finding when i try ...
  A: There are a lot of possibilities: the main one one is , as you've said, a 1kHz square wave does not ...
IC747311/23/2004
  Q: Erm, I got a dual JK Flip-flop - IC 7473(SN74LS73AN) but it seem like the ic can't work and I've ...
  A: A 555 timer with 1k ohm pull up resistor will be able to drive the FF. Make sure that all other pins ...
How do I build an eletromagnetic field?11/20/2004
  Q: Mr. Nyce, I am sorry if this is not your area of questioning, I was not sure. I am currently doing ...
  A: Just so you understand the meaning of a magnet's north pole: If you take a long, thin, permanent ...
hexadecimal11/19/2004