Lmst

A Guide To Using Triacs For Switching AC https://hackaday.com/2026/01/18/a-guide-to-using-triacs-for-switching-ac/
#Hardware #Ac #Alternatingcurrent #Electronics #Guide #Irrigation #Solidstate #Sprinkler #Switching #Transistor #TRIAC

A Guide To Using Triacs For Switching AC

https://web.brid.gy/r/https://hackaday.com/2026/01/18/a-guide-to-using-triacs-for-switching-ac/

<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/triac-main.png?w=800" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" width="800" /></div><p>For switching high-powered loads from a microcontroller, or for switching AC loads in general, most of us will reach into the parts bin and pull out a generic relay of some sort. Relays are fundamental, proven technologies to safely switch all kinds of loads. They do have their downsides, though, so if you need silent operation, precise timing, or the ability to operate orders of magnitude more times you might want to look at a triac instead. These solid state devices can switch AC loads unlike other transistor-based devices <a href="https://opensprinkler.com/using-triacs-to-switch-24-vac-sprinkler-solenoids/" target="_blank">and [Ray] at OpenSprinkler is here to give us an overview on how to use them</a>.</p>
<p>The key to switching an AC load is bi-directional conductivity. A normal transistor or diode can only conduct in one direction, so if you try to switch an AC load with one of these you’ll end up with what essentially amounts to a bad rectifier. Triacs do have a “gate” analogous to the base of a bipolar junction transistor, but the gate will trigger the triac when current flows in either direction as well. The amount of current needed to trigger the triac does depend on the state of the switched waveform, so it can be more complex

So I had - past tense - one of those cheap but incredibly useful and surprisingly capable MCU-based component testers. You know the ones - they cost about twenty bucks, can identify virtually any 2- or 3-terminal device you stick in their (usually ZIF) socket, as well as telling you things like which leads are gate/source/drain, base/collector/emitter, anode/cathode, or whatever else you might want to know about a lot of electronic components.

Absent-mindedly put an electrolytic capacitor into it tonight without discharging it. Had about 22 volts in it... hence, one ex-tester. I let the magic smoke out, without actually releasing any smoke or smell.

Oops.

#electronics #hobby #MagicSmoke #oops #ComponentTester #LCR #LCRMeter #component #transistor

Lizardguy's Transistor Stream 2

https://spectra.video/w/iz5uPmUXpsevQ932EiLgHg

Lizardguy's Transistor Stream 1

https://spectra.video/w/gBsAwf9iwrDbtg19mdf9sj

ero estaba a punto de cambiar el mundo para siempre. #BellLabs #Fisica #Ciencia #Transistor

2/6
En los Laboratorios Bell de Nueva Jersey, William Shockley, John Bardeen y Walter Brattain buscaban una solución: controlar la electricidad a través de materia sólida, no del vacío. 🧪 Lo que lograron la tarde del 23 de diciembre de 1947 parecía un proyecto escolar de primaria hecho con prisa, pero estaba a punto de cambiar el mundo para siempre.
#BellLabs #Fisica #Ciencia #Transistor

🤔

#CPU #Transistor #MooresLaw

Transistor Sword (2019)
#pixelart #aseprite #transistor

Zonder dit piepkleine dingetje had je nu niet op je telefoon gescrold... 😉

Op deze dag in 1947 werd de transistor gedemonstreerd, de bouwsteen van ALLE moderne elektronica! 🤯

Kun jij je nog een wereld zonder voorstellen?

#Transistor #TechWeetje

SONOS, short for "silicon–oxide–nitride–oxide–silicon", more precisely, "#polycrystallineSilicon"—"#siliconDioxide"—"#siliconNitride"—"silicon dioxide"—"silicon", is a #crossSectional structure of #MOSFET (metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect #transistor), realized by P.C.Y. Chen of #FairchildCameraAndInstrument in 1977. This structure is often used for #nonvolatileMemories, such as #EEPROM and #flashMemories. It is sometimes used for #TFTLCD #displays.

Pervervision Fest en Teatro Coliseo: Intensidad y diversión multiplicada por cuatro | vía #ZumbidoCL

https://zumbido.cl/pervervision-fest-en-teatro-coliseo-intensidad-y-diversion-multiplicada-por-cuatro/

#candelabro #chinipng #estoybien #hessekassel #livereview #panico #teatrocoliseo #transistor

This will probably be my only stream this week because every other day is busy, so come hang out for some more Transistor! https://www.twitch.tv/islanderscaper

#twitch #twitchstream #twitchaffiliate #supergiantgames #transistor