electrolytic etching

[tiprat]

I've been doing some electro etching with a 12v DC battery charger which gives a deep etch but I'd like to darken the etch at the end by using a burst of AC. What do you all use to get an AC supply?

[BaronJ]

I've been doing some electro etching with a 12v DC battery charger which gives a deep etch but I'd like to darken the etch at the end by using a burst of AC. What do you all use to get an AC supply?

Bypass the rectifier ! Go directly to the transformer.

[nigelpearson]

If your battery charger is modern (i.e. electronic switchmode), it might have a battery sulfation/recovery function?
Some of those put AC into the battery, some do pulsed DC.


Otherwise, Jaycar has a 24VAC plug pack:
https://www.jaycar.com.au/24vac-1a-u...eends/p/MP3032

[tiprat]

If your battery charger is modern (i.e. electronic switchmode), it might have a battery sulfation/recovery function?
Some of those put AC into the battery, some do pulsed DC.


Otherwise, Jaycar has a 24VAC plug pack:
https://www.jaycar.com.au/24vac-1a-u...eends/p/MP3032

Not a modern charger I'm afraid, but that Jaycar kit might be the go.

[BaronJ]

Not a modern charger I'm afraid, but that Jaycar kit might be the go.

Hi Tiprat,

If you just want a low voltage safe AC supply, a battery charger transformer will supply the AC voltage ! Just take a couple of wires from the input to the rectifier. This will be an isolated 15 to 18 volt AC. Just don't short the wires together or the transformer will get hot and might be damaged.

Those "Wall Warts" are not a safe option and many supply a DC voltage anyway !