Sorry I'm late, the capacitor didn't blow.
Did anyone else smell capacitors when they watched the video? The brain does funny things.
Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
11–20 of 49 posts
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#12This reminded me of a Blog entry I wrote about in 2013 on "Massive Electro-Pyrotechnic Initiator Chip Resistor (MEPIC)". These are 0805 chip resisters that are by design meant to let out the Magic Smoke that runs all electronic parts.
Sadly I could not get free samples from my Vishay Rep, that I was in good standing with. MEPIC85N8R0KTT come in lots of 10,000 to buy.
Be sure to check out the application note "A Guide to Using EPIC / MEPIC Igniters in Pyrotechnic Applications".
https://www.vishay.com/en/product/53058/
National Semiconductor, bought by TI, used to make a similar part, check out the application note:
https://www.ti.com/lit/an/snoa217/snoa217.pdf
This is what I wrote about the MEPIC parts a long time ago:
"MEPIC resistors, also known as bridge resistors, are resistive elements that convert electrical energy into heat energy in a precise electro-thermal profile for the purpose of initiating a series of pyrotechnic events in a controlled energetic reaction. [They go BOOM on command, which is different than Rapid Spontaneous Self-Disassembly.]
The new Vishay Sfernice resistor is optimized for electronic igniter applications in automotive safety systems for the deployment of airbags and other safety devices; digital blasting in mining applications; and in fireworks applications for better synchronization of fireworks, music, and special effects.
With firing energy down to 1.5 mJ and a typical ohmic range of 2 Ohms (+/- 10 %), the device provides designers with very predictable, reproducible, and reliable behavior.
Offered in the standard 0805 case size for the wraparound and flip chip versions, with other sizes available upon request, the resistor features easy set-up of firing levels, and is compatible with various pyrotechnic compositions.
Offering ESD withstanding to 25 kV without extra protection, the MEPIC resistor's performance meets no fire/all fire conditions and the requirements of USCAR, AKLV16, and major car manufacturer standards.
The device is RoHS-compliant and conforms to Vishay "Green" standards. [Is it not great that Fuzes are 'Green'?]"
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#13Try this with a tantalum capacitor. Careful not to lose an eye...
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#14the alarm clock for the ai age, it needs an LLM
It is an LLM
a Life limiting machine
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#15Based. Unhinged. Don't try this at home. But it is also art. It represents the waste in our devices that play out over 1-4 years (or say a few weeks for a vape) but in one night. But yeah. Don't do it. Indoors? wtf!!!!
Oh no. I quite liked this until you said it was art that Represented something.
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#16Is this not technically an IED?
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#17Is this not technically an IED?
Doesn't look improvised to me.
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#18Try this with a tantalum capacitor. Careful not to lose an eye...
Luckily our eyes tend to be closed when we're asleep. Evolutionary safety squints.
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#19What’s happening at the electron level that makes them do this? Anyone know?
If I recall correctly, electrolytic capacitors have to get "burned in" during manufacturing to make them work.
A current is passed through the capacitor and a thin film of oxide is built up in one of the terminals, according to the polarity. This is why electrolytic caps have polarity, if you use them with their polarity inverted, you flake off that oxide layer and thus short them out.
A free running current in that electrolyte boils it off, and you get an exploding cap
Re: Show HN: Capacitor Alarm Clock
#20Electroboom did this first, right?