To ensure the diodes do not blow out under a high current load, you can simply place two of them together in parallel, thereby doubling the available current sink. At less then 10 cents each they are a good way to extend any common lamps lifespan. Oh, and when and if the diode controlled bulb does finally burn out, well... the diode will be ready and waiting for the next lamp/and the next lamp/andthe next lamp, etc..... OK you get the picture now........the bulbs eventually burn out at the 1/2 gentle cycle of the diodes, but the diodes just sit there and wait for the new lamp to be installed. The diodes last almost forever if the current rating is not abused.
The diode controlled lamps will give out plenty of illumination and will last about 10 times longer than a equivalent AC connected lamp. Myself, I like to use one diode for each controlled lamp. This is easy to do, simply have the 'line' part of the diode point to the light bulb to be controlled. The bulbs will then have a gentle almost pleasant soft DC flicker and will still be very bright. Don;t worry, if you do hook up the diode backwards it will not hurt the diode, simply turn the diode over end to end and it will then be properly biased. Another wonderful use of these high voltage diodes is to place them across a solenoid coil to absorb transients and lengthen the life of the coil by eliminating 'chatter'. This could possibly be quite important with 60 year old solenoid magnet wire, including action cars that are prone to chatter and any solenoid driven acessory. Hope this post helps to save some of those good old valuable original A.C. Gilbert lamps and action solenoids! Regards, Mikey. S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
