It has been quite a while since the last newsletter came out. I won't even go into all the boring details as to what has been happening - or not happening - which caused the last couple of issues not to go out. Instead let's get right into things.
Have a good day.
JZK
NEW AT Megavolt
Those of you who are interested to know how simple electrical calculations are made, are invited to check out "Ohm's Law" (http://www.megavolt.co.il/articles/OhmLaw.html). Ohm's law is the very basis of most all electrical and electronic calculations. You can use it in it's simplest form to figure out how much power a certain appliance is using.
For those who need a little help with their math skills, the "Ohms Law Calculator" ( http://www.megavolt.co.il/Elect_corner/ohmCal.html ) is just what you need. Just stick in any two of the four known values and press calculate. Now you can know if that heater will work on that 10A line or not.
LED Lighting
Like I must have mentioned 100 times before, LED lighting will be the lighting of choice for most applications around your home in the very near future. LED bulbs are already being used in flashlights and in many new cars. Although various LED bulbs can already be bought in many electrical stores for general use in your home, they are still expensive and don't give much light.
But still, many of you are confused, not knowing exactly what LED lights are, and why they are so different. Well, "LED Lighting" (http://www.megavolt.co.il/Tips_and_info/LED.html) will give you an introduction to this relatively new technology. It's short and to the point.
Protect Your Appliances
Electronic Specialists Inc. have put out a multi-part series on protecting your delicate appliances called "Care & Maintenance Ideas for Friendlier Electronic Equipment". They were nice enough to allow me to publish this series on my site. So far I have published 4 out of 10+ parts, and will add more from time to time. Although these articles are slanted toward the American public and the company is obviously trying to sell their goods, much of the information is relevant to us here in
http://www.megavolt.co.il/Tips_and_info/surge1.html
Timely Tips
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome
Avi is no stranger to Megavolt, and has contributed articles in the past ( 110V vs. 220V Part 2 ), as well as answered questions about appliances. So without further ado, for those who want to learn how to save some money even when you must order a repairman, Avi's first "Timely Tips" article on Megavolt. Enjoy.
http://www.megavolt.co.il/Tips_and_info/timelytips1.html
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Generated Energy From Balloons
Researchers at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in
The Technion researchers estimate that each home or apartment would need only two balloons. If they were mass produced, their cost could be reduced below the estimated $700 per square meter of today's solar cells.
Scientists from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture and City Construction have already installed two models, one in the city and one in a desert area that lacks power.
For more info: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1182409629380
The Over Voltage Guru
Lets suppose you or someone you know had a serious question or problem concerning lightning protection, energy management or electrical surges in your home or office, who can you trust and
One such interesting article is "Lighting Protection" (http://www.lightning.co.il/lightningUC.html), which talks about the damage done to appliances and electronic devices in the home, office and factory due to over voltage caused by lightning and switching events. "A Lightning Primer" is another article by
Talking about lightning, there seems to be a number of injuries caused by using electronic devices, such as iPods, outside when the weather is foul. To see what I mean take a look at "Injury Caused by MP3 Player in Storm", and don't forget to catch the video clip at the end.
http://www.megavolt.co.il/articles/MP3injury.html
Efficient Heating With Style
Are you looking for a different type of heating system for your home, something efficient and stylish? If so, Thermostyler has
http://www.thermostyler.kremer.co.il/
Is Mercury Poison Really a Threat?
A couple of months ago we were hearing how various governments were ready to ban the incandescent light bulbs, and bring in the energy saving CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulb). Well now the other side of the coin is surfacing. It seems that CFLs not only bring efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction, but also a much greater risk of mercury poisoning (if you accidentally break the bulb). There seems to be a disagreement as to how much mercury is actually in each bulb, but I suppose if you multiply the bulbs, you multiply the mercury. Why don't you read and decide for yourself?
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/05/070518-cfls-bulbs.html http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/05/ask_treehugger_14.php
Solar Powered Plane
A team of students from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology,
Full Story: http://www.tfot.info/content/view/117/71/
TIP OF THE MONTH
During these hot summer months try and use fans to keep air moving. A ceiling fan uses about as much electricity as a light bulb -- far less than an air conditioner.
See more summer energy saving tips HERE.