Re: TDC DC

[P3D Michael Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> conversion and kept better track of the results than I have.  I'd like to
> know if the rectifier is likely to be doing any good.

If you just put a half-wave rectifier (single diode) in line with the bulb(s) 
it would cut the brightness noticeably because the bulb would be running at 
half-power. But!  The bulb life probably would increase significantly!

If you put in a full-wave rectifier, then the brightness would be only 
decreased an insignificant amount (lower voltage by a couple volts) but
the bulb life would likely decrease due to metal migration being all in 
one direction -- increasing the likelyhood of developing a thin-spot in
the filament.  Or so I understood from an old-timer engineer when I
was a young-pup engineer.  I presume breakdown mechanisms for individual
bulb designs may vary, so take that with a grain or two of salt.

Mike K.


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