Blog Catch Up...

   Day 1 of SPR QTR, I enjoyed listening to how everyone's SUM internships went, though I was surprised to hear that not many students knew about how wide our field spreads. When I was on the waiting list for this program, I was told of the many possibilities (which indeed is huge), which didn't surprise me much; but then again, I'm quite fascinated with how the world works and so ask lots of questions about many things.

   Day 2 I found out the difference between a solenoid and relay; Solenoid- a mechanical connection. Relay-an electrical connection (magnetic switch). 

   Note to Don: this is a very simple diagram, anyone can make this. : p

• Slots 85 & 86, either could be used as PWR and the other as GRND.
• Coil to 85/86 gets charged with electrons and magnetizes which pulls arm and so switches connection from 87a to 87.
• Spike Deppression Device- Resistor allows spike to be consumed; allows spike to go one way and not the other.
• 12v @ 30 and 87

Note to self- continuity test is used to tell if there is an open circuit or not.

   I haven't taken a pic of the relay tester yet, but will do so shortly and post later; that was rather fun to make, must make one for my tool box. : )

   On to the light boards... Good grief, at first I felt I was behind everyone else because for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to read the schematics. After a full day (and a partial morning) THE light bulb came on and I started understanding and I really got into it. There was a lot of confusion about wire 31 coming from the headlamp switch and wire 33A; whether they were PWR all the time or SWT PWR. Even Jeff was stumped, lol. Thank you Tracy for informing me that, for the most part, I was correct on figuring out which is which (they're both SWT PWR.) That made my day, knowing that I wasn't as far behind as the rest of you as I thought I was.

   My link to "How A DC Motor Works" that helped me understand, well, how it works. Apparently the video that I viewed is currently unavailable... On to another one... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAc1RYilugI I'm sorry if it's long and boring to you.

   More notes to self:

• No current load, no voltage drop.
• LED use very low current.
• 12v across fuse, fuse is blown.
• With any good fuse, there should be a slight Vd with load.

Cheers!