Quote:
Originally Posted by TinCanAlley
So I can use my DMM to test for voltage at the resistor. I am doing my best to understand how all this works. Looking at the schematics I think I might understand how the zener is working. If the voltage coming off of the tripler (though the 500ohm 7w resistor) goes above 7.5V, it opens and sends the excess to ground? Does that sound right?
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Yes, I think that you should be able to measure the voltage... it is likely a combination of DC and AC spikes, perhaps measure with both DC & AC scales. My Tek DMM 870 has a combination "AC+DC" range which is ideal, but I am not sure that many other meters have that function.
"Opens" is not the word that I would choose to describe the action of the Zener diode, it will *conduct* at its zener point and not allow the votage to rise above that point, unless its current ratings are exceeded, in which case it *will open* (burn out) and the voltage will likely go "sky high".
jr