Sites such as this are sought by people confused (particular in the electrical area) by the mass of misinformation, campfire mythology, and often seriously misleading advice from sales people. They seek simple solutions that work - not ongoing wrangling.
Electrics is not in fact that complicated but there ARE land mines to avoid, and some advertising claims that needs to be seriously questioned.
The basics of electrics has been known and proven for
well over 100 years.
What happens when batteries are parallel charged has been known since 1900. Relationships between current, resistance and voltage were defined by Georg Ohm in 1827. Wire tables were available in 1870 and remain substantially unchanged to this day.
My own postings, magazine articles and published books are based on only too practical experience when very
young, followed by three years in the RAF as a ground radar engineer. It was reinforced by theoretical underpinnings years later.
Next to nothing that I write or publish is new - or are personal
views. They are hopefully plain English explanations and advice based on stuff that is already
well known and has generally been accepted for a very long time.
Time and time again however the very basis of the postings are disputed - leaving one in the necessary absurdity of trying to convince someone that: 'No - the effects of Ohm's law are not 'personal opinions'. Etc. Within a few postings, the thread tends to leave the questioner more confused than previously.
It has also not infrequently caused others to state my advice is flawed or wrong and this is a serious issue for a professional engineer and professional writer/publisher offering advice in the same field. People are thus left wondering about my competence in the very area in which I publish - but with no way of judging it.
I have therefore and reluctantly decided to cease, as from now, to respond to all questions on this site in all areas in which I work, write and/or publish. I will however continue to post on other areas where I feel I may be able to assist.
I truly thank everyone who, over the past few years, has been kind enough to acknowledge assistance provided.
Collyn Rivers