Joule Thief

[innovation_station]

in my opinion ...  the jt works because you intrupt the flow of engery ...

so if this is true ... 

you could perform a simple test  ..  just 1 wire

like this

+.....sw.......coil....diode....cap..... -

try it    then add a cap across input switch..

is

cap on input need be nonpolorized    what will result ? 

ill tell ya but you dont want to hear it ...    i have done this and about a few hundred other things ..

the colpase will flow both ways ...  it will no matter what it is going to want to go to the switch but the cap welcomes it .. depending on resistance of diode .. with the CORRECT caps diodes need not be used ..    and it will still flow to the switch ... so ....  grab it .. now your in a posion to configre it to run with gain or to self run ...  think about it ... its teslas transformer ... lol

this is getting boring ...  soon i can build ...  yay!

so when you turn on the switch the cap should fill to 1.5v ... now turn off the switch   take a reading ... 

now if you do this ...

+.....sw...cap....diode.....coil....diode....cap.....sw........ -

and push both at once what will be ?   this is what tought me .... even in a simpler form than this ..

yikes .. lol

i can demo "free engery"  lol   with a source of engery and a single wire .....  not even a coil ....  and so can you ...  it is because the speed of the break of the circuit and a spark is dammmmm fast!

results are better always useing a coil ... but the point why this is possible is best understood by slow pulseing by hand .. and watching the effects of doing so ...  you learn damm quick ...  ya know

back to sanding i need to finish this darn work shop ...  just so i can build a nice toy for you all ..

plus i have boxes full of toys to finish over the winter ..

[Pirate88179]

Hi pirate . Nice Mod .I see your thinking like me when i see three and 4 batteries powering an led . I wanted to let you and everyone else that you dont have to use a big torroid . I have these tiny Small little bitty ferrite beads that work just as good with  8 to 11 turns and a 1 k ,2n3904 or an Msp darlington . you can slide 5 of them on one leg of a transistor . I use # 32 wire and they can mod even the tiniest light .
ANd one more thing . I just got lots of FREE supplies from 7 different electronics companies . all the led transistors backlights light tubes and pipes torroids  ics you name it all for free .I got what should have cost over 200 bucks worth of stuff all delivered with in 2 -3 days UPS . I have a list if anyone is interested . Its too big to post here .
Take care all .
Al

Al:

Thanks man.  Yes, I know you know there are many practical applications for the JT circuit.  What size are those small toroids?  Do you sell them or do you have a source for us?  I have several small flashlights I could modify but the housing is too small for the 1" toroid.  I would like to buy a few of the smaller ones to change these over.

Nice find on the electronics goodies.  Will you be posting a list on your site?  I am sure you have obtained some stuff that a lot of us want.  Can you post it somewhere and then put a link here?  Or, if you can, post it here because someone might just find that one thing they need for a breakthrough in their experiments and research.  Man, I would love to come to a yard sale at your place.

Good to hear from you Al.

Take care,

Bill

[jadaro2600]

in my opinion ...  the jt works because you intrupt the flow of engery ...
...

i can demo "free engery"  lol   with a source of engery and a single wire .....  not even a coil ....  and so can you ...  it is because the speed of the break of the circuit and a spark is dammmmm fast!

results are better always useing a coil ... but the point why this is possible is best understood by slow pulseing by hand .. and watching the effects of doing so ...  you learn damm quick ...  ya know

...

I think I understand what you getting at here, in any event...Disassembling the JT circuit would mean.

A simple oscillator could be set up to turn on and off slowly, for instance, a low frequency audio stream from the headphone jack audio-output ( biphasic ac) of a sound card employing a tone generator to create square waves which could be diode rectified to monophasic ...ie:  when corrected in only one direction, the result is a pulse train of frequency which is one half that of the generated frequency...

This newly modified source pulse train could easily be used to connect to the base and emitter of a transistor while the collector - emitter could be used as if it were a standard light switch where the switch is being activated by the monophasic pulse train originated from the half wave rectification.  The result would be a pulse activation of the C-E path of the transistor, and would allow your proposed in-line test to manifest under control/led/able circumstances.

Additionally, the same sort of setup could be used to determine the optimum frequency-to-voltage collapse gain ratio of a given input frequency as the tone generator can generate many frequencies at request...

These methods for test components could just as well be a better path to finding an optimum..in the future, i don't think that it will be unheard of to separate the oscillating circuitry from the gain windings circuitry, after all, I have noticed that the majority of flow through to base is far less impressive.  Separating these two for testing purposes to see what happens with the path from positive through coil/base resistor/base-emitter

[xee2]

@ kooler

Now I am not sure if my SCR circuit is actually working. It is too hard to do this without a scope. So I have decided to give up on it. Good luck on your circuit and please post your results.

[gadgetmall]

Al:

Thanks man.  Yes, I know you know there are many practical applications for the JT circuit.  What size are those small toroids?  Do you sell them or do you have a source for us?  I have several small flashlights I could modify but the housing is too small for the 1" toroid.  I would like to buy a few of the smaller ones to change these over.

Nice find on the electronics goodies.  Will you be posting a list on your site?  I am sure you have obtained some stuff that a lot of us want.  Can you post it somewhere and then put a link here?  Or, if you can, post it here because someone might just find that one thing they need for a breakthrough in their experiments and research.  Man, I would love to come to a yard sale at your place.

Good to hear from you Al.

Take care,

Bill

Hi . Ok i'll post it here . Most all these Companies you can order samples every week and month , Continuous , so you never have to buy parts again !!!!!
Semiconductors . someone sent me this list and i don't actually know who made it . I didn't  but i did get all the parts i'll ever need ! IF you have acompany name that helps also . and be sure to tell what project your using . exampls . Low power Lighting applications ...etc..

Microchip The de-facto standard for annoying microcontroller design. Regardless, it's up there with the 8051 and AVR in popularity. It seems like you can get their more popular <$5 microcontrollers sampled. Also, of course, are their little eeprom memory chips, mid-freq RF chips and 'analog glue.' According to their FAQ , you can get 3 of 4 different parts, twice a month, shipped via 3-day.

    "Microchip is so sweet. They always ship without hassle and never send you spam. They don't require a phone and have online ordering."
    Atleast in Canada, your samples are sent FedEx to the local sales office, then sent to your address.
    Seems to now charge a $7.50 USD processing fee

Atmel Samples are shipped from distributors, but I've gotten chips successfully. I've even gotten engineering samples for unreleased chips!

    "Seems to be hard to obtain for a hobbyist." -jkx
    "I got a good number of AVRs from a friendly distributor without a hassle." -Eriador
    "If you use the sample form on the website, you will never receive the samples. So I emailed my local sales office and asked them for samples and they sent me some in about 2 weeks. - koolkat

Analog Devices High quality analog components, from the lowly comparator to the 60Ms/s D/A converter. Almost, but not everything, is available and I've found that sending a friendly email or calling them will net you what you're looking for. Unofficially, if its less than $10, it isn't a problem. The FAQ clams that Order limits are 2 of 3 parts, but there is no limit to how many samples you can request (although more than every other week is probably pushing your luck).

Maxim/Dallas Semiconductor DC-DC converters, serial line drivers, motor control, RF...Maxim specializes in "this part does one thing and does it they way you want it" chip design. If you want something analog, they've probably got it in stock. You'll need to log in first, but they'll send 2 of 8 parts (although I've never been turned down when asking for more) once per 90 days. I've received almost everything within a week.

    I order samples alot from Maxim and they never turned me down. And I order way more than once per 90 days and they have never turned me down. - koolkat

National Semiconductor National makes the analog work horses of the industry, and they also have some nice DC/DC conveter and VCO/PLL design tools that do all that Ipeak math for you. If you're a student (or play one on TV) you can order up to 5 of almost any part, once a week. Usually arrives in a few days.

    "We regret that your sample order below requires a shipping charge" I probably don't look enough like a business.

Fairchild Semiconductor The twin of National. You'll need to register but the only time I ordered something it was sent FedEx express and they didnt mind that I wanted 10. They have some policy , perhaps when you click on it, it won't say "updated soon."

    Fairchild limits samples to 5 line items per week per customer and requires a pay email address.

    Fairchild wants you to submit a phone number when you register for free samples. They claim it is only to provide UPS with the information in case they have trouble delivering. I didn't give them a phone number and they held my sample order until I negotiated in email with them to clarify why they needed a phone number. In the end, they nicely shipped my samples for free without getting my phone number. I was very pleased.

    Fairchild now requires a Corporate e-mail address,

        "Fairchild offers free samples to corporate customers with corporate email accounts we are able to validate.
        The email address you are using does not pass our validation. We are unable to ship free samples to you. "

Lumex Lumex has LEDs, high power LEDs, LCDs, backlights, light pipes, and other such. Just look at their various products, and if you can get a sample, there will be a little shopping cart. I know they have high power LEDs, light pipes, and backlights available for sampling. I'm not sure on the specifics of what you can get, and I haven't tried to order anything yet. From their Product Sample Cart page:

        It is our practice to offer samples from available stock to our customers' technical staff for new designs or substitution evaluation and qualification. Products in sample quantities for any other purpose can be purchased via our distributors. Actual shipment and quantity of samples is subject to availability and unit price. We reserve the right to decline any sample request that in our opinion does not comply with our standard practice.

Texas Instruments Great things come from TI. More analog, of course. DSPs, some logic, battery management. You can sample anything off their big list . 8 different parts per order, with 1 each of the expensive stuff (like DSPs) and 3 each of the more common chips. I believe you can order as often as you'd like. Boy, was I wrong: they'll put you on a blacklist if you order more than once per 90 days. eek.

    Note: TI now requires you to pay the shipping costs for free samples. They require you submit a phone number. After you've submitted, their salesmen will annoy you with phone calls from time to time. Bleh!

        I got some samples from TI and I didn't get any calls... They have very fast shipping. - Vaati

Cirrus Logic Digital chips, D/A converters, Ethernet controllers, audio/video decoders, etc...Sometimes require a little encouragement/email to get their samples to you.

Linear Technologies More high quality parts, finally added 'one click' sampling for most of their electronics.

    Packages are sent via Fedex Express

Freescale (previously Motorola)A variety of ASICs, microcontrollers, and other 'high function' semiconductors. Has a sample program where you can order 5 parts, 3 times per month.

    Freescale also has a range of MEMS sensors. Their sample system requests basic information "what are your intentions with our parts". Shipping is generally through FedEx or UPS.
    I've successfully gotten samples shipped by UPS Next Day Air for free, with few questions asked. I didn't even have to deal with a person.

Allegro Microsystems A smaller manufacturer of mostly DC/DC converters, you can sample from their website. Samples are sent via distributors, and they usually contact you before. (And sometimes refuse)

Philips Semi Lots of chips many ASICs, you have to call the regional sales office to get parts.

ST Microelectronics

    "ST will happily send you up to 8 different samples for free. Quantity for each chip varies (I got anything from 3 to 5), and you have to register and provide some semi-credible excuse on what you intend to do with the goodies. If you're into audio, you could do worse than use STM's chips." - Luca R.

    "They ship via UPS, the way of delivery I am not sure of." - curriegrad2004

    They ship via UPS Saver. 

    > "ST is amazing - they ship by overnight UPS (to BC, Canada, anyway), don't ask too many questions, and (apparently) will ship to anyone with a mailing address that isn't a PO Box. Currently (July 19, 2009), they're offering R-LINK JTAG adapters, but please don't abuse this, because they're being awfully nice, and they will remove them if you do." - ffejery

Cypress Cypress will send you some samples without too much issues. Don't forget to receive the email asking you additional information (even you fill all the required forms) - JkxThe wireless USB modules are definitely worth checking out.

    "They may not send all requested parts"

Vishay Optoelectronics and Diodes

Find the deal on sampling at: Products A-ZHow to Get Samples You need to register first ( free ). Will let you know if my non-profit request for 10 led's is sucessful.

Intersil

    I just got 10 HIP4081AIP chips from Intersil as samples.

ON Semiconductor The other half of Motorola's semiconductor business (see Freescale) they manufacture a broad selection of logic, passive, and interface ICs. Samples incur a $15-20USD handling charge but nearly everything is samplable and they're happy to ship 10 each of 8 items or more.Samples come 2 days FedEx express, although some samples are shipped "at market lead time" and take up to a month before shipping.

    An excellent source for weird and special transistors.

Sensirion Manufacturer of a selection of sensors; occasionally, they offer them for sampling.

Silicon Laboratories They allow you to sample their 8051 MCU's but not other ICs. 4 different parts per order, with 8 parts total, and 3 orders in a 30 day period.

Central Semi Apparently also does samples, but I have no myself with it.

Zilog Manufactures MCUs, not much selection but they'll send you a lot of stuff.
Connectors

Molex A full-range supplier of interconnects, sockets, cables, etc. They'll send you 3 or so of almost all their parts, usually very quickly, but sometimes not at all.

    I requested samples and they shipped them the next day via USPS First Class(fancy way to say "standard") - koolkat

Tyco / AMP A similar range as to Molex's. You can request samples by sending mail to the "Ask A Question" link.

ITW/Fastex Sells hardware, some of which may be useful for electronics projects (connectors, clips, etc). Looks like you can sample up to 15 pieces of any part they offer.

RIA connect Sell various connectors. I've not yet ordered from them but it seams pretty straight forward. The order form has a spot for 6 different samples.

Keystone electronics Connectors of all kinds, USB, serial, battery holders (coin cell, AA, N, SMD and through-hole) and moreNo questions asked, FedEx 2-day for free.

SamTec "They ship samples quite quickly, and I've never been pestered with followup calls."

Mill-Max Connectors and IC sockets. They seem to ship quickly with no hassle and at no charge.

    Maybe not so friendly anymore. I just tried to order a couple connectors and was sent this in reply:

    Thank you for your interest in Mill-Max products. The samples you requested may be purchased through our authorized distributor Digi-Key. Please contact them at http://www.digikey.com .

    Regards,
    Mill-Max Mfg. Corp.
    516-922-6000

Norcomp Many connectors. Haven't tried ordering, looks like you can request 2 each of 2 different part numbers and they will charge you for shipping.

FCI USB and other computer connectors. Can request samples of 2 different part numbers at a time.

3M Makes everything from Post-itÃ,® notes to heavy industrial products. Most relevant for hobbyist electronics is probably connectors , including DIP sockets, and will ship samples for free.
Enclosures

PacTec Enclosures Has a large line of nice enclosures for your electronics project, many with battery cases and clips. Will send you 2 of their new designs for free. You can buy many of their cases from Mouser or directly from their site.

    "Ships via FedEx Ground" - curriegrad2004
    "Now has a $10 Shipping fee" - bman22

New Age Enclosures Has three different but kinda nice enclosures. They'll send you one of each if you ask.

    I recently emailed them to request a sample of just 1 of their enclosures, and they turned me down. - Logan Williams

    Due to the number of inquires we are no longer able to send samples for free. There is a $40 minimum order policy to cover order processing. Please increase your order amount to proceed to checkout. - Copy from their site, 6-21-2008 - Seth

Hammond Manufacturing I don't particularly like their enclosures, but they are high quality, inexpensive and apparently they'll send you free parts if you call them up.

Serpac - Offers many different project enclosures, from heavy toolboxes to tiny remote control style cases. Many cases offer clear or IR transparent front plates as well as AA and 9V battery holders. Just send them an email and they'll ship right away.
Switches

NKK Switches - Has a lot of different switches and buttons. And there was no scary questions asked - yosh
Others

MicroMetals Sells nice toroids for RF and power filtering and line conversion. Nice bunch of people, will send you 2 x 5 toroids for free.

Marktech Optoelectronics LED and LED-related electronics products. Will apparently send you 2 of any of their products. They aren't that friendly anymore, will only send samples to those doing business with them.

Fox Electronics Sells crystals, oscillators, etc. Apparently will ship up to 9 samples of a crystal.

Philips Lumileds Apparenly if you call their distributors you can get free samples of their very popular Luxeon superbright (1W+) LEDs (not anymore)

Purdy Electronics You can sample LCD displays (free for alpha-numeric modules but will cost you for graphic displays) and LEDs from them, but they check every order and will call you to confirm, and they do not send to students or hobbyists.

    These people are very helpful in their e-mail support however it is quite hard to get samples from them and they dont like to sample multiple products for free. Just talk to them and I am quite sure they will be able to hook you up. Also have a good excuse to have parts such as an electronics company as you will have to answer quite a few questions before they will ship you samples!!! --Ollee

    It was very easy to get an alphanumeric display from these people. They are very friendly. It only took me one day to set up and finalize the sample order. Ships via UPS Ground. EDIT: I forgot to mention that I have a corporate email address, maybe that's why they were so nice...they even offered to send me more. - koolkat

GIL Technologies --A GML1000 and other RF PCB-laminate manufacturer. (When FR-4 just wont cut it.) They'll send you a 12"x18" sheet of their product for free. Their website is down as of March 12th, 2007

RichCo Inc Various plastic hardware, fan mounting stuff, lots of wire ties and wire tie accessories, cable management, circuit board mounting and supports

Coilcraft Sells RF chip inductor, power inductor, power magnetics, and other inductors. You can sample from their website. They ship the samples by USPS-Xpress. On their website, they say they may restrict samples for non-OEM activities but they have a student policy which allow them to send me some inductors, you have to send them an e-mail with the name and the phone number of the teacher and the nature of the project.

Parallax You may be able to get a sample Basic Stamp 1 (or other parallax products) from them if you politely contact the sales dept.

LittelFuse They sell fuses and similar stuff. They have great PTCs, and they do deliver.

Bourns Lots of inductors, transformers, and other magnetic products, including J. W. Miller products . Checked "school/student" on my request and got a few samples sent for free.

API Delevan Inductors, transformers. Sample form allows up to 5 different part numbers.





Al