So.
I was doing a little research into the functionality and effectiveness of so-called battery "voltage smoother" kits. I understand exactly how the electrical principle works in theory, but I was curious to see what the internet and its minions had to say about it.
I came across a thread in which one gentleman had absolutely no grasp of what he was talking about, yet he was quite insistent on his personal interpretations on the way electricity and general physics work.
Wait, what...? Someone who doesn't know what they're talking about on the internet?
Normally I wouldn't think twice, but after reading through it, I felt it would be a perfect example as to why you should never trust "folk" knowledge, especially over the internet, and especially when dealing with electronics. Electrical systems are extremely precise engineering feats. Their operation is not open for individual interpretation; you can't change physics. Modification, of course, is a different story. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt because of bad advice during the modification process. Awareness is the key to prevention.
Anyway, it's two pages, and it's an interesting read. Topics covered: how an alternator works, what capacitors are and how they work, how a battery affects a vehicle's electrical system.
The worst thing I've ever read in an automotive electrical forum in a while.
Now, as a contrast, here is a good example of how a vehicle's electrical system actually works. It's a good companion read, especially after reading that other pile of crap.
How a vehicle's electrical system really works.
Mods, sorry if this turns out to be the wrong section for this. I felt the relevance to auto electronics made it the right place to share.
I was doing a little research into the functionality and effectiveness of so-called battery "voltage smoother" kits. I understand exactly how the electrical principle works in theory, but I was curious to see what the internet and its minions had to say about it.
I came across a thread in which one gentleman had absolutely no grasp of what he was talking about, yet he was quite insistent on his personal interpretations on the way electricity and general physics work.
Wait, what...? Someone who doesn't know what they're talking about on the internet?
Normally I wouldn't think twice, but after reading through it, I felt it would be a perfect example as to why you should never trust "folk" knowledge, especially over the internet, and especially when dealing with electronics. Electrical systems are extremely precise engineering feats. Their operation is not open for individual interpretation; you can't change physics. Modification, of course, is a different story. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt because of bad advice during the modification process. Awareness is the key to prevention.
Anyway, it's two pages, and it's an interesting read. Topics covered: how an alternator works, what capacitors are and how they work, how a battery affects a vehicle's electrical system.
The worst thing I've ever read in an automotive electrical forum in a while.
Now, as a contrast, here is a good example of how a vehicle's electrical system actually works. It's a good companion read, especially after reading that other pile of crap.
How a vehicle's electrical system really works.
Mods, sorry if this turns out to be the wrong section for this. I felt the relevance to auto electronics made it the right place to share.