[Boatanchors] Testing High Voltage Diode Stacks

[L L bahr]

John, 

This might help. 

Lee, w0vt 

Here is a good explanation why some of you guys could not check out the Hunter Bandit Silicon Diode Rectifier Blocks.  Charlie posted this to the Collins reflector.  He gives a good way of testing them using light bulbs.  (If you test them on 120 volts you only need one bulb and you wound want to use something like a 15 to 25 watt bulb.)   
Lee, w0vt 



The reason you are getting the results when testing the Silicon Alley diode 
is that they consist of a number of diodes in series.  For example, if there 
are ten silicon diodes in series, you must apply at least 10 times ½ V (the 
conduction voltage for one typical silicon junction)  before you will see 
any current flow.  Depending on the meter you are using, you may be able to 
get some reading by switching to a much higher resistance scale which 
typically uses a higher voltage for their Ohmmeter circuit. 

For less violent testing, you could wire a hundred watt incandescent lamp in 
series with the AC input,  (Use a 240 bulb or two 120 V lamps in series if 
it is running from 240VAC.)  This will prevent the fuses from blowing and 
allow you to do some component checking.  If there is a dead short 
somewhere, the bulb(s) will be at full brilliance and you can start 
disconnecting things to isolate the faulty part.  Just be careful and keep 
your fingers out when the juice is on.  Hook up the test leads and THEN turn 
it on.  Shut it all off before touching anything inside. 

73, Charlie k3ICH