The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 823 pages of information about The Boy Mechanic.

The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 823 pages of information about The Boy Mechanic.
maintain the voltage constant.  Thus the individual cells are in multiple series, i. e., multiples of series of three.  By keeping in mind the ampere output of the battery and rating of the lamp, one can regulate the batteries as required.  It must be remembered, in this connection, that any battery which is drawn upon for half of its output will last approximately three times as long, as if drawn upon for its total output.  Thus, in any system of lamps, it is economical to provide twice as many batteries as necessary.  This also supplies a means of still maintaining the candle power when the batteries are partially exhausted, by connecting them in series.  However, this must be done with very great caution, as the lights will be burnt out if the voltage is too high.

Persons living in the city will find an economical means of lighting lamps by securing exhausted batteries from any garage, where they are glad to have them taken away.  A certain number of these, after a rest, can be connected up in series, and will give the proper voltage.

In conclusion, for battery power:  Connecting batteries in series increases the voltage, and slightly cuts down the current or amperage, which is the same as that of one battery; while connecting batteries in parallel increases the amperage, but holds the voltage the same as that of one cell.  Thus, if the voltage and amperage of any cell be known, by the proper combination of these, we can secure the required voltage and amperage to light any miniature lamp.  And it might be said that dry cells are the best for this purpose, especially those of low internal resistance.

[Illustration:  Fig.2]

For those having a good water supply there is a more economical means of maintenance, although the first cost is greater.  Fig. 2 shows the scheme.  A small dynamo driven by a water motor attached to a faucet, generates the power for the lights.  The cost of the smallest outfit of the kind is about $3 for the water motor and $4 for the dynamo.  This dynamo has an output of 12 watts, and will produce from 18 to 25 cp., according to the water pressure obtainable.  It is advisable to install the outfit in the basement, where the water pressure is the greatest, and then lead No. 18 B & S. double insulated wire wherever needed.  The dynamo can also be used as a motor,

[Illustration:  Fig. 3]

and is wound for any voltage up to ten.  The winding should correspond to the voltage of the lamps which you desire to run.  However, if wound for 6 volts, one could run parallel series of two 3-volt, 1-cp. lamps; making, as in Fig. 3, 11 series, or 22 lights.  If wound for 10 volts, it would give 1-1/4 amperes and run four 6-cp. lamps.  Thus, it will be seen that any candle power lamp can be operated by putting the proper number of lights in each series, and running the series in parallel.  So, to secure light by this method, we simply turn on the water, and the water consumption is not so great as might be imagined.

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The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.