Trouble with brighter colors

[dewil]

Hello!

I have just started experimenting with anodizing and its lots of fun and lots of things to learn.
I am using a car-battery charger that can give maximum 9A and use water/batery acid in ratio 1:1.

I anodize for about one hour. Darker colors turn out fine, blue, black. But yellow and red just wont work!
Any sugestions?

I am using "fabric- dyes". Is it where the problem lies?
Thanks!

[mcaswell]

PLEASE!!!! Do us all a favor here and stop doing this.

Download our LCD instructions, throw out the dye, unless you want to dye cloth, get some special anodizing dyes from us and try again.

You will NEVER be assured of success using the methods you describe.

You will be assured of success using the LCD system.

We don't give advice/support on any other concept than LCD, because it is a pain to troubleshoot.

[dewil]

I didn´t want to buy all the professional parts before I knew I got it "semi-correct".

I am putting in n order for some of yourdyes today.

I would however epreciate if someone could explain to me a little about the powersource.
From what I understand, the best is to use a recifier that gives a constant current. What does a normal car-battery charger do? Does it give a constant voltage and adjust the current to maintain it?

The bigger objects I am to anodize the higher Current is required, right?
does these cc-reciefers have any maximum voltage and if so how much do I need som it wont shut off before I reach PAR?


Perhaps stupid questions but its more stupid not to ask!

[acidrain]

It's always best to start a new thread rather than ask a new question, but here goes...
An easy way to control a battery charger is to use a ceiling fan controller wired in-line with the hot side of the 110vac between the wall socket and the charger.
Use a large 1-ohm resistor between the 12v pos. and the parts, then measure the volts accross the resistor for a direct amps reading. Then you monitor and adjust the amps with the ceiling fan controller.
Decide on a current density (CD). I suggest 6 amps per sq. ft. It's a nice round number and easy to calculate time.
Measure the total surface area (SA) of your parts. Use the 720 rule to calculate the time, and estimated voltage at a given CD. It's in one of the stickied threads at the top of the page.
I suggest saving the time and money spent on this method and apply it towards a real power source.
You will find that a minimum voltage requirement at 6 amps CD is around 15v. Since a battery charger is closer to 12v, the battery charger method is not so good.
Better be safe and get a 20v power source capable of CC/CV. The amps required are calculated from the largest parts x your CD. Keep in mind that more power equals more heat, and cooling the acid will be your next big hurdle.

[dewil]

Thank you for taking time with a good explanation! Things are starting to clear up!