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How to Use an External Diode in a 12V Charging System

Many electromechanical charging circuits require the output electrical signal to be converted from alternating current to direct current. The most common way to convert AC to DC is by using a rectifier. Rectifiers are made up of two or more diodes. Each diode acts as a one-way check valve for electrical current. This check valve prevents electrical current from reversing polarity before it reaches the battery. While it will not convert the entire AC signal into usable DC power, a single diode may be used to convert AC power to DC successfully.

Things You'll Need

Electrical wire
Electrical pliers
4 Crimp-type ring terminals
Soldering iron
Electronic solder
1N4007 diode
Screwdriver
4 Alligator clips
6-volt AC signal generator
Electrical grounding source
6-volt rechargeable battery
Voltmeter

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three segments of electrical wire, with each segment being 6-inches long. Strip 1/2-inch of insulating material from the ends of each wire.
- 2
  Twist one end of the first wire together with the anode lead from the diode. Solder this electrical joint. Crimp the first ring terminal to the diode's cathode lead.
- 3
  Loosen and remove the screw from the first alligator clip. Place the ring terminal connected to the diode over the loosened screw, and reinsert the screw into the alligator clip screw hole. Tighten the screw so it holds the ring terminal to the alligator clip snugly.
- 4
  Verify the AC signal generator is turned off. Connect the loose end of the first wire to one of the output terminals on the signal generator.
- 5
  Crimp the second ring terminal to one end of the second wire. Crimp the third ring terminal to the other end of the second wire.
- 6
  Loosen and remove the screw from one of the remaining alligator clips. Place one of the ring terminals connected to the second wire over the loosened screw, and reinsert the screw into the alligator clip screw hole. Tighten the screw so it holds the ring terminal to the alligator clip snugly. Repeat this step for the other end of the second wire.
- 7
  Crimp the fourth ring terminal to one end of the third wire. Loosen and remove the screw from the fourth alligator clip. Place the ring terminal connected to the third wire over the loosened screw, and reinsert the screw into the alligator clip screw hole. Tighten the screw so it holds the ring terminal to the alligator clip snugly.
- 8
  Connect one of the alligator clips attached to the second wire to the electrical grounding source. Connect the remaining alligator clip attached to this wire to the battery's negative terminal.
- 9
  Connect the alligator clip attached to the third wire to the electrical grounding source. Connect the other end of the third wire to the remaining terminal on the AC signal generator.
- 10
  Turn on the voltmeter and set the measurement scale to "Volts DC." Connect the voltmeter's black probe to the electrical grounding source. Connect the voltmeter's red probe to the positive terminal on the battery. Turn on the AC signal generator. The voltmeter will display six volts.

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