The Internet - Not arcade related.

[johnrt]

A coupple of years ago I made the Internet, and I thought I should share that project with you guys now. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, here's the original:


These are the parts needed to make your very own Internet:
The black box: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121197099670 (I believe this is the same as the original)
Battery holder: https://www.elfaelektronikk.no/elfa3~no_no/elfa/init.do?item=69-500-44
LED Super Red 8mm
LED-reflector 8mm outer reflector: https://www.elfaelektronikk.no/elfa3~no_no/elfa/init.do?item=75-214-60
Transistor ZTX869 NPN.
Transistor BC557 PNP.
Electrolytic capacitor 1μF, 50V.
Electrolytic capacitor 100μF, 16V.
Electrolytic capacitor 2.2μF, 100V.
Resistor 100Ω, 0.25W.
Resistor 4.7kΩ, 0.25W.
Resistor 10kΩ, 0.25W.
Resistor 22kΩ, 0.25W.
Resistor 470kΩ, 0.25W.
Resistor 1MΩ, 0.25W.
Resistor 2.2MΩ, 0.25W.
Some prototyping PCB board.
4 rubber feet.

With this circuit (see pics below) and 2 AA batteries this LED will blink for at least 2 years without changing batteries!

So here's the pics from the project:

[brihyn]

Are the internet elders ok with this?
Love that show, especially that clip. Constantly trying to get people to watch it.

[johnrt]

Are the internet elders ok with this?

I don't know.  Please don't tell'em... 

[mgb]

Awesome, I want the internet.

That is a funny show

[dkersten]

I like the answering machine for the support line.. I need that for my office..

This is awesome..

[wp34]

Sweet.  That is cool project.  Thanks for listing the parts.  I may need to make that for my oldest.

[Slippyblade]

Why not just a blinking LED with a battery?  Seems like a bit of overkill.

[johnrt]

Why not just a blinking LED with a battery?  Seems like a bit of overkill.

Well, yes. But what's special with this circuit is the battery life. It will blink probably several years without changing batteries. Mine has been blinking for 2 years now, and is still blinking!

[Slippyblade]

Well, yes. But what's special with this circuit is the battery life. It will blink probably several years without changing batteries. Mine has been blinking for 2 years now, and is still blinking!

Ahhh.  See, now THAT is cool.  The Internet does need reliable uptime.

[mgb]

Can you build a second one?
My download speeds have been lacking lately. 

[johnrt]

Can you build a second one?
My download speeds have been lacking lately. 

Maybe it's time to change the batteries! 

[pbj]

Pink Floyd did it 20 years ago

[PL1]

Can you build a second one?
My download speeds have been lacking lately. 

Maybe it's time to change the batteries! 

Before you do, wire a second set of battery holders in parallel with the first pair.

That way you can insert the new batteries before you remove the old ones -- no down-time due to battery changes.   


Scott

[DaOld Man]

Could it possibly be wired to a quantum flux capacitor?
If my calculations are correct, it should not only increase battery life by several centuries (past or future), but also look pretty darned cool.

[PL1]

Could it possibly be wired to a quantum flux capacitor?
If my calculations are correct, it should not only increase battery life by several centuries (past or future), but also look pretty darned cool.

I think you'll need a lot more batteries (or a ) to do that.   




Scott

[DaOld Man]

I got an idea. We can tie a wire to the town clock and when the lightning hits it, we will have enough power!

[johnrt]

I actually do have a nerdier project than this... I may also post that. 

[johnrt]

A few days ago we had to change batteries on this. The batteries, 2 x 1.5V AA, lasted for exactly three years! Pretty impressive!

[jennifer]

   Omg, I think Jenn really likes her internet, (Giggle) .