RSSThe $3.00 sprinkler timer
John writes -
A few years ago we built a large cover over our back deck, and shortly thereafter put up a few hanging baskets for flowers. Here (in Arizona) the summers are hot enough that you have to water the baskets at least twice a day to keep the flowers alive. The problem: I forget. Miss watering for one day and there are three hanging baskets of dead and dried flowers. Trust me, I've got three years of dead daiseys under my belt here, and Lisa doesn't let me forget it. Obviously we need an automatic sprinkler system.Hacker's Bench : The $3.00 Sprinkler Timer - Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jul 11, 2007 08:02 PM
DIY Projects |
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| Posted by: saimhe on July 12, 2007 at 7:25 AM |
I always believed that in order to use a LED with AC, a regular diode should be connected in parallel (and backwards, of course) to minimize the reverse voltage. The author does just that in a 24 V circuit, but connects the protection diode serially in a 110 V circuit. Why?
| Posted by: jschuch on July 12, 2007 at 8:15 AM |
Hi Saimhe,
I've always thought the same thing, then I came across this . I didn't quite get it, but I wired it up and my test circuit ran fine for weeks, and nothing got hot. I like this configuration better because it's easier to wire it together and stuff the whole thing in a piece of heat-shrink tubing.
Thanks for the note ... Since you made me go look the original schematic up I noticed that I forgot to note that the resistors are 1W. I've changed the schematic on the page. Thanks!
John
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