Help - how do I ?????

Note that some of these questions seem like jokes. The really funny thing is that I have been asked each and every one of them, and usually several times.

First, ask technical questions on the yahoo group. Do not mail them directly to me. I still see them when they are posted to the group, and chances are someone else will answer it before I can. Also there is the possibility that someone else has experienced and solved the issue you are facing where I may well not have seen a fault like it.

FAQ

Q. How do I wire a mains transformer?
A. If you need to ask this, you should not be attempting it. Get someone qualified to do it for you.

Q. How much current do your modules draw.
A. I don't know. It depends on how the individual builds it - what options are included, how many LEDs are lit at any given moment etc.. If you really want to know, put an ammeter in series with each of the power rails in turn and measure it.

Q. It doesn't work. What's wrong with it?
A. You've built it wrong. Believe it or not, people do ask this question, just like that. As if I'm going to know what's wrong from that much info. Invariably when the builder claims to have checked everything over and everything is "perfect", they write back a few days telling me that they had wrong parts in locations, forgot to install assorted bits, made their own board and it was mirror imaged (I kid you not!) and so on. Very rarely will there be an actual circuit design problem or a component failure. 99% of the time it is a construction error.

Q. Is an 18V CT (center tap) transformer the same thing as a 18V-0-18V (36V CT) transformer as used in the CGS power supplies?
A. No. An 18V CT transformer is clearly not a 36V CT transformer.

Q. What is the Mouser part number for this (whatever) part?
A. Ask on the group. I don't use Mouser - they aren't even in the same country as me.

Q. Why does my 4015 get stinking hot? (4015 is just a randomly chosen 4000 series number - this applies to all 4000 series chips such as 4017, 4024, 4066 etc.)
A. It is probably a 74HCT4015, or some other 74xxx variant designed to run on 5 volts. You want CD4015 or MC14015. Note that Motorola includes "1" at the beginning of their part numbers. A MC4015 is a different device altogether and will also get stinking hot. If the salesman behind the counter tells you the 74xxx will work just as well, IGNORE HIM - he's a salesman, not a technician or engineer. There will be letters after the device number. "B" is the most common. these extra letters indicate whether the chip is buffered, and what package type it is. Make sure you get a DIP package and not an SMD package.

Q. Would it be too much trouble for you to have someone buy such and such a part and send it to me?
A. As for me sending someone out to buy something - I live alone out in a semi-rural area - the nearest electronics shop is 40 minutes drive from here. And as CGS is a hobby, not a business, there are no staff. As such, there is no one for me to send to go buy them! I could ask one of my ponies to do it if you like, but as the gate is shut, they might have trouble even getting off the property. Alternately, I could ask Anne, but she's made of resin.
You think this answer is silly? So is your question.

Can't find the parts? See the parts FAQ to see if I've already answered the question.