Recent content by alpine2beach

I guess I wasn't very specific on my first question. Anyways, I need to charge capacitors in a series. I need the DC because that would require a inverter, a transformer, and a bridge rectifier, and I am rather limited on space and weight. So to combat this, I thought that a DC to DC...

Lol, I knew I would be asked that. The application is for charging capacitors in a series, which are being used to power a coilgun. The potential safety issues aren't really an issue, as I have dealt with high voltage before, and know the safety precautions that I must take.

Okay, so before when I asked a question about voltage multiplication, I was recommended a charge pump. But now I realize that creating a charge pump to get the voltage I want would be rather ridiculous. So, here is my problem: I need to get 1000vdc from a 9vdc battery, but I'm not entirely...

I was thinking about placing the coils under a counter top or a desk (I want to try this with my laptop), not transmitting it 40 feet. That, at the moment, doesn't seem too likely.

What about inductive coupling?

Nevermind. I understand that sometimes the ground symbol in schematics actually means the "common".

lol. Anyways, I believe it is actually possible, but just not in a practical way. Even if your roof was lined with solar panels, I don't think it would be enough energy to power your house. It really depends on how energy efficient your house is, how large it is, where you live, how often you...

Thank you Jim and Studinot, you have provided a lot of insightful infomation. Anyways, I have one last question? Ok, so let's say I have a small circuit with a 555 timer in it. One of the connections has to go to ground. How would I make a ground? Would any piece of metal do?

I think he means inductive coupling...

I see...sorry, I was misreading your response. You were supplying an answer to the question about what the common is. It is the point where you can measure voltage relative to other components of the circuit. Anyways, thank you guys so much!

So, what you're saying, is that the ground common is actually just the negative terminal of the battery/power supply?

Thank you so freaking much! Wikipedia is pretty useless if you don't already know something about electronics, but that link to HowStuffWorks was definitely the most simple explanation of a transistor that I have ever read! Also, thanks for the book, I'll have to check it out. Thanks again!

Thank you Studiot and mdjensen22! But this answer also raised a few more questions from me. What purpose does a circuit common/0V reference provide? Also, if I were to hook up the positive terminal of a battery to a ground (such as one used in AC mains), would there be a current?

I think some data is omitted. It says it is a neutral reference point, but what does that mean? It also refers to signal grounding, which it explains in context of grounding in a circuit. Could you please explain this?

I'm pretty sure that one of the most common electronic switches is the transistor. That being said, I'm not very sure of how you can incorporate one into a circuit. Basically, what I'm asking is, how do I get it to switch when I want it to? How do I use a transistor?