[Boatanchors] Testing High Voltage Diode Stacks

[Jim Wilhite]

I use a 9 volt battery to test mine, if that is insufficient then I series 
two of them to make 18 volts.

Jim
W5JO


-----Original Message----- 



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