jhumphr wrote:Putting a switch after the diode works, but very infrequently. Putting the switch and removing the diode works every time. This would make me believe the diode is causing the problem, but how can that be so?
Hi, I'm glad you're part way there. There is always some volt drop across a diode and it sounds like there is to much for the set of components your using. Can you let us know which one you're using please. Silicon diodes will drop something like 0.5V where as germanium diodes are more like 0.2V, I used a 1N4004 in the original build without any problems but didn't use that PIR. Have a look round and see if you can pick up some thing like a 1N34A or just any diode with a low forward voltdrop.
Barnabybear wrote:Hi, I'm glad you're part way there. There is always some volt drop across a diode and it sounds like there is to much for the set of components your using. Can you let us know which one you're using please. Silicon diodes will drop something like 0.5V where as germanium diodes are more like 0.2V, I used a 1N4004 in the original build without any problems but didn't use that PIR. Have a look round and see if you can pick up some thing like a 1N34A or just any diode with a low forward voltdrop.
I'm using a 1N4003, which should function the same as the 1N4004 in this scenario. What PIR are you using?