[Elecraft] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber?

[Sandy]

I've used nothing but 1n4007's for years now for relay snubbers.  They work 
just great.

I don't bother with the slightly cheaper 1n4001's and that sort.  You can 
get the 1N4007's cheap enough and use one type diode for everything.  Some 
of the manufacturers don't put any identifcation on the diodes other than 
the cathode stripe which makes identifying the difference a pain in the 
butt.

73,

Sandy W5TVW

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Coleman" <aa4lr at arrl.net>
To: "Jack Smith" <jack.smith at cliftonlaboratories.com>
Cc: "'Elecraft'" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Can a 1N4007 Be an Effective Relay Snubber?


>
> On Apr 8, 2009, at 2:22 PM, Jack Smith wrote:
>
>> The "Cliff's Notes" version is that the turn-on (note I said  turn-on,
>> not turn-off) time of a 1N4007 diode is sufficiently fast to be a very
>> effective relay snubber.
>
>
> Interesting! It's always true that experiment trumps theory.
>
> Curious, though, that you would promote using a 1N4007 as a snubber
> for a 12 volt relay. It would make more sense to use a 1N4001, which
> has virtually identical characteristics as the 1N4007, except for the
> reverse breakdown voltage. The 1N4001, with a reverse breakdown of 50
> volts, it will withstand the relay energizing voltage of 12 volts.
>
> The 1N4001 can be purchased for about a penny each in bulk. The 1N4007
> is about four times more expensive. That's a three cent difference.
> And, you know, hams are cheap. <grin>
>
>
> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
>             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901
>
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