[Tropi]

Beppe thanks very much for starting this - much appreciated!

Let's see if I have any kind of handle on it so far.
I see both AC and chopped DC as 'fluctuating currents' for want of a better term.
But better check - is this a reasonable term?

Would it then be correct to say that if the current never drops below zero, it is chopped DC, but if it does, then it is AC?
eg
+18v to 0v = chopped DC
+18v to -18v = AC

I must get the hang of this!

EDITED
For the benefit of anyone trying to follow this thread - THAT IS WRONG!
I think I can handle being wrong as long as I learn something in the process!

 

[Tropi]

The mud is beginning to clear a BIT!
I know it's too much to ask for a degree course in electronics on a Slot Forum, but you guys are helping, and I, for one, appreciate it.

 

[Tropi]

If anyone is bored, they don't have to read it - this is good stuff!
No Fergy - you are not getting carried away at all - this is a very valuable resource and I do follow most of it. I was just getting thrown by the AC/DC business, mainly because everything I have seen on DCC until recently clearly said it was AC current. Maybe it was thought easier for our less electronically educated minds to grasp. Actually it WAS until you guys started to straighten me out. Well, I THINK you are straightening me out!

 

[Tropi]

Errr . . . I THINK you were right, Astro!

In any case, if you hadn't said anything, we wouldn't have this topic now and it's a good one. So ->

 

[Tropi]

I'm glad you stepped in there Fergy - I thought I had understood properly but wasn't confident enough to say any more than I did! I've got it, by George I've got it!
But am not surprised that it was confusing.

Is it possible that other systems HAVE used genuine sinusoidal AC?
(That sounds as though it wants to kill itself!)
My thinking here is in connection with full blown AC power supplies, 220-240v AC in UK, that have simultaneously used the same power cables to network computers.

 

[Tropi]

Here is one interesting link
Digital Power Line Communications

 

[Tropi]

Yep you're lazy!

Internet via power line
The connection is that the system transmits digi info via an AC supply.
It's 1 am here and I am crawling off to bed - will probably have digital dreams.
Do androids dream of electric sheep?

 

[Tropi]

Yes, Julius would be very welcome here - the more talent the better (especially better for the untalented like me)
He just seemed to disappear from SCI in mid-Nov-03.
I have messaged him via the EZBoard system and hope that he eventually takes a visit here.

 

[Tropi]

Julius
MANY thanks for joining us here and we look forward, with enjoyment, to yours, Beppe's and other electro-boffins' continued attempts to educate the rest of us !