Junkyard Engine Computer Issues

wrote:
>
> Why would they bother with a switching power supply just to drop 12
> volts to 5 volts? Reduce heat? Wouldn't a voltage divider or a
> regulator do the same?

There are several reasons- a simple series regulator would waste more
than half of the wattage- with the engine running and the alternator
putting out 14V, it would waste almost two thirds of the power consumed
(9/14ths), converting that to heat. Then you've got reliability
problems. Switchers are very efficient. A mechanical analog is a
reduction gear. You could say, "why have compound low on a 4WD? Can't
you just slip the clutch?" Yeah, you could...

> I found dental tools
> were good for dealing with potted plants.

Good idea. I removed some big chunks, but this is hard work. I wonder
if paint stripper or something would dissolve that stuff?
-Paul

> wrote in message
ps.com...
>
> wrote:
>>
>> Why would they bother with a switching power supply just to drop 12
>> volts to 5 volts? Reduce heat? Wouldn't a voltage divider or a
>> regulator do the same?
>
> There are several reasons- a simple series regulator would waste more
> than half of the wattage- with the engine running and the alternator
> putting out 14V, it would waste almost two thirds of the power consumed
> (9/14ths), converting that to heat. Then you've got reliability
> problems. Switchers are very efficient. A mechanical analog is a
> reduction gear. You could say, "why have compound low on a 4WD? Can't
> you just slip the clutch?" Yeah, you could...
>
>> I found dental tools
>> were good for dealing with potted plants.
>
> Good idea. I removed some big chunks, but this is hard work. I wonder
> if paint stripper or something would dissolve that stuff?
> -Paul
A paint stripper will, but not the liquid kind. Get a heat gun. Use it
carefully. It makes that epoxy get jelly like while it's hot.

Bob wrote:
> > wrote in message
I wonder
> > if paint stripper or something would dissolve that stuff?
> > -Paul
> A paint stripper will, but not the liquid kind. Get a heat gun. Use it
> carefully. It makes that epoxy get jelly like while it's hot.

I've got one of those. I'll give it a try.
-Paul