alt.energy.homepower

-> David Williams wrote:
-> >
-> > Much better, make a circuit with a zener diode, a power transistor, and
-> > a couple of resistors, one of which should be capable of dissipating as
-> > much power as needed.

-> Thanks Dave

-> I've copied that and will forward to the electronics guy.

-> Jordan

I think I guessed that R1 should be something like 100 ohms. On second
guess, I think it should be closer to 10 ohms, or maybe even less. It
will be receiving only a few volts from the bridge, and we want it to
be able to dissipate a few watts, which is what the decorative windmill
will probably produce.

Actually, you might be able just to put a zener across the bridge
output. If it's chunky enough to be able to dissipate a few watts
(probably mounted on a heat sink), it may be all you need.

dow