Batteries

[courage7856]

We are using a very very very simple circuit, and used duct tape/ electrical tape (it really doesn't matter) to connect our batteries (D batteries, by the way). The only thing is that you have to be careful on the ends of the batteries that the heat can melt both kinds of tape. It can also give you nasty burns or burn the paperclips you were using as wires. Nasty stuff.

[Paradox21]

We are using a very very very simple circuit, and used duct tape/ electrical tape (it really doesn't matter) to connect our batteries (D batteries, by the way). The only thing is that you have to be careful on the ends of the batteries that the heat can melt both kinds of tape. It can also give you nasty burns or burn the paperclips you were using as wires. Nasty stuff.

If your wires are heating up, it means you have too much current in the circuit. Try using different batteries and/or thicker wire.

[fleet130]

When making connections with tape, they tend to have a lot of resistance. This causes the connection to heat up when the circuit is powered up. This heats the tape and softens the adhesive. If this is a problem, strip the insulation farther back so more bare wire is exposed and bend the bare wire in a spiral so there is more surface in contact with the battery. This will reduce the resistance and produce less heat.

[Flavorflav]

We are using a very very very simple circuit, and used duct tape/ electrical tape (it really doesn't matter) to connect our batteries (D batteries, by the way). The only thing is that you have to be careful on the ends of the batteries that the heat can melt both kinds of tape. It can also give you nasty burns or burn the paperclips you were using as wires. Nasty stuff.

If your wires are heating up, it means you have too much current in the circuit. Try using different batteries and/or thicker wire.

When making connections with tape, they tend to have a lot of resistance. This causes the connection to heat up when the circuit is powered up. This heats the tape and softens the adhesive. If this is a problem, strip the insulation farther back so more bare wire is exposed and bend the bare wire in a spiral so there is more surface in contact with the battery. This will reduce the resistance and produce less heat.

She said he was using paperclips as wires. That could help explain the heat problem.

[courage7856]

If your wires are heating up, it means you have too much current in the circuit. Try using different batteries and/or thicker wire.

When making connections with tape, they tend to have a lot of resistance. This causes the connection to heat up when the circuit is powered up. This heats the tape and softens the adhesive. If this is a problem, strip the insulation farther back so more bare wire is exposed and bend the bare wire in a spiral so there is more surface in contact with the battery. This will reduce the resistance and produce less heat.

I think both of you guys missed the part where he said he was using paperclips as wires. I think that explains the whole heat problem right there.

Yup. That's what I meant. I would, however, prefer to be referred to as "she" given that I am a girl. Me and my friends love to do the battery and paperclip thing, so when we saw that, we had to do it, even if it isn't the most effective way.

[Primate]

If your wires are heating up, it means you have too much current in the circuit. Try using different batteries and/or thicker wire.

When making connections with tape, they tend to have a lot of resistance. This causes the connection to heat up when the circuit is powered up. This heats the tape and softens the adhesive. If this is a problem, strip the insulation farther back so more bare wire is exposed and bend the bare wire in a spiral so there is more surface in contact with the battery. This will reduce the resistance and produce less heat.

I think both of you guys missed the part where he said he was using paperclips as wires. I think that explains the whole heat problem right there.

Yup. That's what I meant. I would, however, prefer to be referred to as "she" given that I am a girl. Me and my friends love to do the battery and paperclip thing, so when we saw that, we had to do it, even if it isn't the most effective way.

I don't mean to impose myself upon your Mission, but you might definitely (absolutely positively) want to invest in some hookup wire, solder, and battery holders . I have yet to see anything that makes use of tape for non-aesthetic purposes reliably succeed.

[fee6]

Are commercially produced battery boxes allowed (ie ones you buy at radioshack)
Sorry for the stupid question-we're not sure if these count as 'black box' components or not.

[Dark Sabre]

Yes, you can use battery holders.

[Flavorflav]

Yup. That's what I meant. I would, however, prefer to be referred to as "she" given that I am a girl. Me and my friends love to do the battery and paperclip thing, so when we saw that, we had to do it, even if it isn't the most effective way.

My sincere apologies. It's just so hard to write gender-neutrally, so I tend to default to "he." No offense intended.

[Aveman625]

I have a 9.6 volt RC car rechargable battery and I am trying to get it to where I can distribute power equally to all of my items, but the problem is the power is less and less with more items. Yes, I know that is series but I can't get parallel. I have a european style power bar, and I have tried numerous ways of connecting it. Can anyone help me distribute my power evenly?