Relay power source

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Oct 20, 2011 | 03:49 AM

#11

JK-Ford

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Cabot, Ar.

I guess that 1/2 a sine wave could almost be thought of as a "chopped" AC signal?

Oct 20, 2011 | 05:21 AM

#12

ronjenx

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by JK-Ford

I guess that 1/2 a sine wave could almost be thought of as a "chopped" AC signal?

It doesn't follow a sine curve at all. It's simply on or off.

Oct 20, 2011 | 10:06 AM

#13

JK-Ford

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From: Cabot, Ar.

It would be interesting to know what the frequency is? 60Hz? More than 60Hz? I have no formal training in this area. But I'm still curious.

Oct 21, 2011 | 04:13 PM

#14

ronjenx

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From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by JK-Ford

It would be interesting to know what the frequency is? 60Hz? More than 60Hz? I have no formal training in this area. But I'm still curious.

Measured with two different instruments....

Headlights on with engine running:
78% duty cycle; 90Hz

Headlights on with engine off:
0% duty cycle; 0Hz
(I would have thought always on would be 100% duty cycle. But, I guess it means there is no cycle to measure.)

Oct 29, 2011 | 09:43 AM

#15

69mach1

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Poway, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronjenx

The normal power to the headlights is pulse width modulated DC. It is modulated to send power to the headlights about 80% of a given time period. It is supposed to prolong bulb life without reducing light output.

But then, if you have something that describes it as having AC power, can you post it or a link to it?

A modulated DC is a form of AC, just not sinusoidal. So a 10uf cap does the trick to filter the Modulated DC to just DC.

and the computer & relays are both happy

also the bulbs will have a normal life span

Oct 29, 2011 | 02:08 PM

#16

ronjenx

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From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69mach1

A modulated DC is a form of AC, just not sinusoidal. So a 10uf cap does the trick to filter the Modulated DC to just DC.

and the computer & relays are both happy

also the bulbs will have a normal life span

'fraid not. AC alternates in direction or polarity, hence the term alternating current.
Pulsating DC is direct current that turns on and off, but always has the same direction or polarity.

Oct 29, 2011 | 02:42 PM

#17

33 williys 77

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From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronjenx

'fraid not. AC alternates in direction or polarity, hence the term alternating current.
Pulsating DC is direct current that turns on and off, but always has the same direction or polarity.

HuH kinda reminds me of the old radio with a 6v vibrator

Oct 29, 2011 | 02:44 PM

#18

ronjenx

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From: Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33 williys 77

HuH kinda reminds me of the old radio with a 6v vibrator

So the DC would work in the transformers?

Oct 29, 2011 | 02:58 PM

#19

33 williys 77

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From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronjenx

So the DC would work in the transformers?

You got it and points for coils

Oct 29, 2011 | 04:49 PM

#20

Sahara_Maverick

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Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Seattle, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronjenx

So the DC would work in the transformers?

Probably not. Turning on and off is different than cycling like the AC sine wave that generates the electromagnetic field that transformers use to "transform" (sorry, no pun intended).

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