Capacitor Charging Snafu

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=17980
Printed Date: May 19, 2024 at 10:06 AM

Topic: Capacitor Charging Snafu

Posted By: leiblera
Subject: Capacitor Charging Snafu
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 12:24 PM

While charging my Stinger HPM 1-farad capacitor, the lead on the charging bulb broke. I know I can get a resistor to substitute, but that's a tall order over here in Germany at 8:20 pm, and all the stores are closed tomorrow. Is there a substitute I can use or fabricate? Any ideas? I could solder some wire leads onto a damn parking light bulb or neon tube if it'd work. I just don't want a nasty spark or fire or explosion, you know? Any help would be appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: xetmes
Date Posted: August 23, 2003 at 1:06 PM

the purpose is to limit the amount of current to prevent what looks like a short upon early charging.

If you are really in a pinch this might work: Get a large cup of water and put 2 leads on either side using the water as a resistor. haha i am not sure how well this would work but it would provide a resistance, or if you have a very long spool of wire, although that will add in some inductance which might not help.

If you blow yourself up doing this its not my fault posted_image Use at your own will

Posted By: leiblera
Date Posted: August 24, 2003 at 2:48 AM

Thanks, xetmes - ouch! You know, I create resistance - I though about using myself, but I ran into the same conclusion as the bucket of water trick. Sparks, fire, bang, ouch. So...

BIG QUESTION - I can create a test/charging light using two pieces of wire and a 12-volt side marker indicator lamp - will this work for charging/discharging a 1-farad power stiffening cap?

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 25, 2003 at 9:05 PM

A regular bulb will work fine, depending on how long it took to burn the first light you might be able to just hook it up. If voltage is above 10 volts then you should be able to just hook it up without any problems.

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Posted By: leiblera
Date Posted: August 26, 2003 at 11:03 AM

Thanks for the tip - that's all I needed. It worked great.

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