Alt-BEAM Archive

Message #01426



To: sbolt@xs4all.nl
From: JVernonM@aol.com
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 18:03:46 EST
Subject: Re: diagnosis please


In a message dated 3/9/99 3:36:53 AM Eastern Standard Time,
sbolt@xs4all.nl writes:

[ I suspect that whatever you use to latch the on-state is ]
[ oscillating. At lower light levels there isn't enough power to keep ]
[ the oscillation going, so you don't notice the problem there. ]
[ A common cause is the small recorder motor with the built-in cap. ]
---8<---

> That leaves another motor as the obvious remedy.

You are correct sir! I tore off the motor, replaced it, and Virus
kicks like crazy in full sun now.

This sort of thing can look pretty mysterious if you don't use an
oscilloscope. And all published Solar Engine circuits I've seen -
except the SunEaters, especially -II and higher, and variations on
that theme like Ben's `Alf' - are rather prone to oscillation.

Best,

Steve

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# sbolt@xs4all.nl # Steven Bolt # popular science monthly KIJK #
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