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patjohnston · Apr 22, 2013, 12:59 PM

Hi all,
Can someone help me with a cicuit diagram for a rectifier. I am doing a little project at home and need a 12v DC supply, I have a 12v transformer so just need it rectified to DC. I made one in school but have forgotten how, I vaguely remember a diamond shape of resistors and needing a capacitor...

Cheers All!!

ma0641 · Apr 22, 2013, 03:36 PM

It is called a Wheatstone bridge. You can buy a rectifier at Radio Shack or just get a battery charger for a car. Depending on the current needs, Goodwill has boxes of battery eliminators, many of which are 12VDC at 1 AMP.

Stratmando · Apr 23, 2013, 08:25 AM

Easy to find for a dollar at yard sales(12 volt DC power supply)
You can make the full wave bridge out of 4 diodes which will convert AC to DC, then an electrolytic capacitor for filtering the ripple.
Like ma0641 mentions, Radio Shack and other Electronics shops have the 4 diodes in 1 package, and has 4 terminals, 2 are AC in, the other 2 are DC out.
You can find Rectifiers in most electronics. Canabalize some old electronics and you will likely find one. Follow the Power cord in, through the fuse, then transformer, then to the Rectifier(may be 4 diodes or a bridge).
Good Luck.

patjohnston · Apr 24, 2013, 07:01 AM

Wheatstone Bridge ! That's the fella. I was wanting to make it myself so I will go to maplins and see if they have the little kit of the 4 diodes and a cap.

Cheers guys much appreciated!!

Stratmando · Apr 24, 2013, 01:53 PM

Don't forget to reduce the voltage first, duh, I'm sure its understood.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode_bridge

patjohnston · Apr 29, 2013, 02:45 PM

Yeah, figured that Strat, Cheers!