Generating AC Power

Oh! What an interesting comment :-) I thought generating 230vAC from 12vDC is a good description. A "signal generator" generates signals with an input. A "character generator" generates bitmap code when correctly addressed. I still feel it is a descriptive title, since the AC is generated. But perhaps DC-AC converter could be a better title? Although to connect a slack-handfull of bits to the car and get 230 V AC could be considered "generating" in a power cut. Many thanks - food for thought.

its a great video but i do belive it might be labled wrong i am not new to ac/dc generation but not an expert either but i do belive this in an ac/dc converter rather than a generator

Toppen! Glad to know that you have found them usefull. I am still working on the next video ("My First Joint") but I am having a lot of pressure at work and so much to do with the house. Got to look after land, even if it is so full with antennas ;-) Best regards and many thanks for your positive comments.

Yes, connect your transformer to the mains and measure the secondary voltages. Another method is to count the wires, then mewasure the "continuity" (resistance). Most cheap transformers will only have 2 wires for the primary. If there are three remaining wires for the secondary and they all have continuity (conduction) then the chances are that you have a split secondary. At the moment I am working on an inverter that will work with a single secondary winding :-) Best regards from Harry SM0VPO

Great video!

Is there a way to recognize a transformer which has a split secondary before I wreck the casing? I have a few lying around and opened one (230V@60Hz to 12V 500mA 6VA) which, unfortunatly turns out not to have a split secondary. I´d like to implement this. Tak in advance!

Hello, Loved your video, I visited you website and one word fabulous. Thanks for all your hard work. I've been working on some projects here lately and your website came in real handy. Thanks again good work!!!!!

At 24v, two 12v 100A/H batteries will deliver 100W continuously for about 20 hours, 75 Watts for about 28 hours, etc. At 12v it is about 100W = 9 hours, 75 Watts 12 hours. BR Harry

One smallpoint about hobby electronics is that it should be fun to do, and fun to learn. I always try to add some sort of "shocker" in the films, somewhere. I also try to add a little subtle humour that you can probably notice later on. BR Harry

Hi, the two little lamps are 7W each, but the larger one is 11 Watts. A 36W transformer delivers about 10 Watts before it stops oscillating. A 200 watt transformer will deliver about 75 watts, which is enough to run a small color telly and a couple of lamps. If you use an external oscillator and driver then the 200 Watt transformer will deliver 200 Watts without any trouble, but that will be the subject of another film. Many thanks fory your coments, both of you. Best regards from Harry - SM0VPO

This is one of the best videos on Youtube...very detailed, with vivid diagrams. Your Disclaimer is Priceless "...if u kill urself, don't come cryin to me, u have been warned"..LOL Nice of u to check up on us during the process, "If all is well..."lol


On a serious note Mr. Lythall , what are the wattage of those bulbs, and how long does the two 12v batteries run with the 3 bulbs on, before the battries run out of energy?

Thanks, Nice Work.

"If you kill yourself, don't come crying to me!" ROFL