jim_donohue@computer.org writes: >Other than that I like your design. Jim, I hope you realize that I kept tongue firmly planted in cheek when I wrote that piece. Furthermore all the while I was staring at an already built device right in front of me: It's called a light dimmer. Only I believe it uses a TRIAC instead of an SCR. All day today we had sunshine and it was shirtsleeve weather in the marina. First really day of spring. People were cutting holes in their plastic boat covers and a pair of Mallard Ducks has decided that my boat would make a great nesting place. Mama Duck has sofar layed five eggs into a bed build out of shredded polyurethane. Anyone has any idea how long hatching time is for duck eggs? What a way to start Easter Week and Passover - think we'll have a great summer! Oh yes I checked three of my four marginal (winter-neglect) batteries after a few days of charging with the cheapest automotive battery charger (probably a transformer and a few diodes). Result: Every cell is measuring GOOD with my equally cheap hygrometer. And they are holding their charge. Perhaps there is something to that comment by my old college instructor ' to use raw, unfiltered DC for battery charging/rejuvenating. After all we are 'pulsing' in that mode, n'est ce pas? Anyway electronic projects, pulsers et al are on hold until next winter at least. There are waves and wind to play with for now!!! George of Scaramouche on Lake Ontario