Ken adds: You definitely don't want to be using bang-bang on-off switching=A0(or worse=A0 - switching between opposite polarities) in order to control temperature.=A0 For maximum longevity you need to be using a proper continuously-variable drive under PID control=A0 - and for good measure I'd incorporate some form of rate limiting so it can't degenerate to bang-bang mode under unforeseen circumstances. Just checked and it's Tellurex that says unfiltered rectified 60Hz is OK=A0 - they even suggest using a battery charger. Thay also produce a special range of Peltiers for applications requiring wide temperature swings over repeated cycles (as many biological application do).=A0 They are presumably designed to better withstand the effects of thermally-induced stresses=A0 - and I note that they say that the maximum temperature reached in the cycle is the critical issue.=A0 It's well worth reading their design guidelines=A0 - as it is for other manufacturers as well. --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .