need more knowlege.. Is there a TN term reference link or Glossary

[mystickid]

I was wondering if theres like a term or glossary of technical terms used here on TN.

I've been doing some small mods to my car but I really don't know much of the technical things and terms used here on TN. Simple terms to many like offset, ground (electrical), relays, inverters etc etc.

I know I could just look up these words in the dictionary but I dont want a sophisticated bunch crap to read. I like how normal people just explain things like if i was just talkin to a TN member in real life.

For ex. I came across this thread where 88LE posted a neat wiring diagram for CCFLS in the interior. But the thing is that i don't understand jack from looking at this diagram. i really want to do this mod but my incompetence is limiting me.



can someone explain this diagram to me and let me know any refrences where I can increase my knowledge.

[88 LE]

The diagram above is pretty simple compared to others that I've drawn (electronics schematics). I tried to make it as simple as possible. I could of used electronic symbols which would be more confusing.

I can see why it can be confusing, not everyone understands electronics or knows how to read schematics / wiring diagrams.

Anyways I'll try and explain it.


Switch: Use a 2 prong (spst) or 3 prong (spdt) switch.

spst = single pole single throw

spdt = single pole double throw


spdt switches come in 2 styles.

1. on - on

2. on - off - on


Use the on - on style and use the center connection and one of the outer connections.









spst switch:




spdt switch:





1N4001 = 1 amp diode. Diodes only allow current to flow one way. You can think of it as a one way street, where cars (current in case of a diode) are only allowed to go one way.

They also act as rectifiers in power supplies (AC to DC). The diode rectifies (converts) ac to dc.



87, 87a, 86, 85 and 30 = pins/connections on a 12V automotive relay. They come in spst and spdt. You can use either one.

http://www.nteinc.com/relay_web/R51.html



Ground = any metal on the car that has a electrical path to the battery (negative).


Constant +12V = source that always (constant) has +12V. IE: positive post on car battery.


Cathode = ccfl (cold cathode flouresent lighting) tube.


Inverter = power supply for the ccfl tubes. Its a little box with a transformer and other electronic parts inside of it. The inverter steps up the input voltage (+12V) so that it can power the ccfl tubes.


As far as hooking everything up, just follow all the lines in the wiring diagram.