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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: dan on January 02, 2004, 04:45:15 PM

Title: smoking diodes
Post by: dan on January 02, 2004, 04:45:15 PM
i built a milenium 1 board and tested it with the fx circuit and switch and all that. when i turned it on the diode lit up and started smoking. i don't think the led turned on but i'm not sure because i turned it off imediatly. i think this means i had the diode in backwards but i wasn't sure so i thought i'd ask.
Title: smoking diodes
Post by: smoguzbenjamin on January 02, 2004, 05:25:32 PM
The LED started smoking? Then you pumped too much current through it! Use a higher limiting resistor ;)
Title: smoking diodes
Post by: dan on January 02, 2004, 06:39:51 PM
no, just a regular silicon diode...at least i think it's silicon. it's kind of gold looking with one black stip on one end whick i tock to be the positive end. maybe i'm confused on the diode schematics. is it like this?:

negative---|<|--------positive
[/code][/quote]
Title: diode polarity
Post by: Rick on January 02, 2004, 08:51:58 PM
Usually the black stripe on a diode is the cathode (negative).  I have seen some 1n914s with a confusing red stripe very close to one end. When in doubt use your meter and mark the diode with a felt pen. Btw what sort of power supply are you using. 9v I hope , just curious as I haven't smoked a diode as yet, but i'm willing to try it if it gives a good buzz!
Title: smoking diodes
Post by: dan on January 02, 2004, 09:31:12 PM
ok, i should of done that, thanks. that's the problem
Title: Re: diode polarity
Post by: bwanasonic on January 03, 2004, 12:34:07 AM
Quote from: Rickjust curious as I haven't smoked a diode as yet, but i'm willing to try it if it gives a good buzz!

Don't bogart that diode my friend...

Kerry M