Need Electrical Ideas

[mike31154]

A little heads up on using UPS devices for running motors, i.e. return pumps. Typically the inverters in these produce a modified sine wave which is hard on anything with a motor. It is also an inefficient power source for a motor. Sure, it will work, but longer term effects may be detrimental to your AC motor run devices, depends a lot on the quality of the motor I reckon. Pure sine wave inverters are 2 to 3 times the price of a modified sine wave inverter, that's why you won't find them in most UPS units. They're primarily designed for computer equipment backup and the computer power supply ends up rectifying the AC signal anyhow, so no effect on the internals.

[lastlight]

We've all seen the displays at the science centre. Pedals hooked up to a generator. Who has an old 10-speed and some DIY? I could use the exercise too.

I think lighting the little bulb and turning on a radio tho might be easier than powering a reef!