I'm aware of the model railway and overhead light wiring arrangements.
I suspect that if the latter was designed for a 2A load that it would be
designed to go hi-z (PTC)  if shorted and not deliver the steady 8A that
mine does.

But what surprised me was the common use of such sources unidentified in
standard household settings. Model railroads demonstrate their capabilities
and are used because they do power things via the metal conductors. And
anyone who has tried to keep one working becomes rapidly aware of issues
such as continuity and  contact point cleanliness.

Some may use the overhead light system "unawares" but you'd hope not.

But the lamps have typically 200 to 500mm of bare metal telescoping rods
about 50mm apart. I can bridge the ones on one lamp by holding two NZ $2
coins overlapped.

I'm trying to think of how I can make a rectifier from household materials
- which would allow me to fashion a cellphone charger "on the spot" - with
due care, A good party trick if nothing else - for a limited range of
parties :-).

QUESTION:  How can I make a rectifier from typically available household
products - breaking open the TV, GPS, I-Phone (while a good idea) etc
doesn't count. Need not be perfect - as long as mean current is net
unidirectional it will work "in some cases".



         Russell
--=20
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