Questions I've wondered about

[Larry]

OK, maybe this thread is generic enough that it ought to be part of "Random Thought". But I was envisioning a place for people to ask questions. (And, hopefully, someone among the vast ES membership could answer.)

Something I've wondered has to do with electric ranges. Specifically, I wonder how they "dial down" the power.

I understand that the heating element is a resistor. Feed it power, it hers hot.

But how do they make the heating element put out 90% heat? (Or, to pick a perhaps better example, how do they get 50% heat.)

They can't simply put a resistor in series with the load (the way a dimming light switch works), because if you "choke down" a resistor to only 50% power, then your dimmer is consuming the same amount of power (and therefore, putting out the same amount of heat) as the heating element.

And I can't believe that they have a thermostat or something similar, or some kind of switching circuit that adjusts the duty cycle, because they've had electric ranges since, when, the 50's?

So, how does an electric range make the heating element put out 50% heat?

[jrfriedm]

[Corcaigh]

Old models use a technique where the element is not on all the time. The 'knob setting' causes the element to be switched out with a frequency that gives approximately the average power level you are looking for.

On some models you may even hear the switch clicking.

[Larry]

You sure about that? I'm thinking of some really old ranges (like, some that are likely as old as me). And AFAIK, the only way they had, back then, to turn that kind of power on and off was to use a relay, which would be pretty loud.

But all I've ever heard is the sounds of expanding metal.

I know that a lot of ovens have thermostats, and they used relays to turn the elements on and off.

[Corcaigh]

Re-reading your post I see you asked about the type of switch - it's a simple bimetallic conductor that heats and expands - turning the power off, and then cools and contracts -turning the power back on again.

It's often known as an infinite switch.

[motorhead]

Now day's.They drop the voltage two 1/2.


Before that they would have relays that would which between elements.


If you need more let me know.

[Larry]

Now days, they have continuous knobs for the "heat level".

They have a way of continuously varying the voltage to the heating element?

Now I know that Grandma's old stove simply had an array of buttons. I could imagine, say, a transformer (transformers are very efficient means of converting voltages) with several primary coils, one for each button.

But I can't see that method working with a knob.

(In case y'all can't tell, I've been wondering about this for a long time.)

[motorhead]

Ok oven.You have temp set at 350 degree's .


I'll make a program that @ 360 have it turn off the heaters .


Then @ say 340 turn it back on.




I would have to play with it.

[ixcuincle]

I have a computer that is about 4 or 5 years old. Said computer has 1 gig RAM and a single-core processor. Obviously today's modern games require dual-core processors and I'm too lazy to buy a new computer when the time comes. I also brought new parts recently such as a power supply and a video card, so if I'm buying a new computer those materials would likely not be retained in the new computer.

That's why I just want to pimp out my computer now and see what I can do. The question is can I just remove my Motherboard and chip and replace it with a more modernized motherboard and processor? Then I could just replug everything in, and run a better computer, then update RAM. Can I do this? Or should I just buy a new computer when the time comes?

[Mooka]

I'm kinda confused about your overall question. They just control the amount of current going through the coils.


I assume they work a specific way, but I can't imagine the design is any different then any other electric device that regulates current.

[Larry]

That's why I just want to pimp out my computer now and see what I can do. The question is can I just remove my Motherboard and chip and replace it with a more modernized motherboard and processor? Then I could just replug everything in, and run a better computer, then update RAM. Can I do this? Or should I just buy a new computer when the time comes?

As a general rule, if you want a new processor, then you'll have to get a new motherboard for it. (Your existing motherboard will likely take 4-5 CPUs. Depending on which one you've got, you may be able to upgrade it a notch or two, or not at all. But no more than that.)

Generally, when you upgrade your motherboard, you'll need new RAM, too.

For the price of a motherboard, CPU, and RAM, you can buy a new system.

Oh, and unless your existing system is a generic "clone", then odds are a new motherboard won't fit your case either. You'll need a new case, and maybe a power supply.

[ixcuincle]

Well **** that I'll get a new computer then. Thanks.

[IbleedBnG83]

I must be a simpleton because a question like this would never cross my mind.

I'm still wondering how pop rocks work

please no one answer the last statement

[techboy]

Well **** that I'll get a new computer then. Thanks.

I have built several computers from scratch. It's fun.

These days, though, prices have dropped so much that it seems to be generally cheaper to just buy one pre-assembled, and there's less likelihood of issues between the parts to boot.

Unless you're a really high end gamer type that wants cutting edge everything, overclocked, and hand-picked (and it doesn't sound like you are), I doubt that buying the parts would be worth it to you, unless you enjoy that sort of thing.

[grhqofb5]

Ok here's one that'll make you think, and I don't mean anything mean spirited when I ask....

Its understood that gay guys are attracted to other dudes. So does that mean that a gay guy can be attracted to himself, if he looks in the mirror? Or if he looks at himself naked, a picture or something?