How to make resistors using chocolate foil

[ToddB66]

Hi ,

I've been searching the Internet for instructions/videos on how to make resistors using chocolate foil with no good results.

Even trying different search titles without the word "chocolate" didn't help (that word seems to consistently bring up bakery videos.). Also, I tried using search titles with fewer words, switching words around, etc., but nothing I tried gave me the desired results ! In fact, one search title that looked promising on a links list, i.e. Videos of how to make homemade resistors wasn't very good IMO.

I feel sure you all have had the same experiences !

What I'm hoping to find is a tutorial (text, video, or combination of both) that explains resistor construction incorporating "chocolate" foil (Because it's available and free on chocolate candy and I have some of it on hand.) and whether professional or amateur video, the moderator speaks easily-understood English with good volume, good camera work and step-by-step instructions.

Can anyone give me help, or a good Internet source for this subject ?

Thanks much !

ToddB66

[ODM]

Factory made metal film resistors are generally made to tolerance from specific materials and trimmed for precision. Making reliable contact with the foil probably needs attention, crimping would probably be good for homebrewing. Then, trim to precision with multimeter and abrasive.

Now that "how" is out of the way, we get to "why"? Factory made resistors are usually made from materials that resist aging, oxidation, and have low temperature dependence. Making precise resistances from E6 series etc is easy by combinations and measurement, sort of fit and cut method. Most of the time it is even welcome to use many resistors in series for fine tuning and voltage division, eg. for PI damping.

[raygdunn]

How to make resistors using chocolate foil

Hi Todd,

Sorry, I played with Google search for a while without success. Looks like the more common method documented is pencil and paper (graphite). 😞


Ray

[rickb]

I've been searching the Internet for instructions/videos on how to make resistors using chocolate foil with no good results.

I second the "Why". Unless you need a resistor made of pure unobtainium processed by Peruvian virgins during a full eclipse of the Sun, it would make much more sense to buy what you need.

[ODM]

It could be possible to make a metal detector with purely garage and kitchen stuff. VLF with a clapper oscillator?

[WM6]

Hi ,

How to make resistors using chocolate foil

Hi ,

It is easy. You trow foil in the garbage and then from chocolate make a handful of sweet resistors.

[ToddB66]

How to make resistors using chocolate foil.

Hi Everyone !

Thanks for your replies to my post #1.

The following explains my motive for starting this thread.

First of all, a long time ago someone made a comment (in a website post I believe) on the use of "chocolate foil" as one of the components for constructing homemade resisters. I don't recall the exact website or any other details needed to track down the post.

Recently I became interested in making my own resistors and remembered reading about the chocolate foil idea. I looked through several electronics books I have on hand and also searched the Internet for information on the subject, but with no good results.

So, my next move was to start this thread, hoping that someone could either post instructions answering the subject, or point me to a source of written instructions, or better yet a "show & tell" video explaining how to make resistors using chocolate foil as one of the components.

From my Internet searches I now realize that in order for anyone to answer the subject title, covering all the requirements and aspects to construct resistors of specific value could get complicated with lots of detail. However, at this stage, I'm just looking for some basic generic instructions as a starting point, to which I will add more investigation if needed and work out any necessary final details before starting construction of my first prototype resistor.

After gaining enough initial knowledge, and some experience making prototypes, my ultimate goal is to make usable homemade resistors for my electronic projects.

If pencil lead is going to be my best bet for the core material, then could I incorporate the thin chocolate foil in some manner with the lead core ? How would this be done ?

I hope this clarifies what I need.

Thanks for any help you can give.

ToddB66

[6666]

Are you sure you are thinking of resistors and not fuses ?

[WM6]

If pencil lead is going to be my best bet for the core material, then could I incorporate the thin chocolate foil in some manner with the lead core ? How would this be done ?

ToddB66

This way you construct resistor which will be in fact composed of two resistors in parallel.

One resistor of higher resistance (graphite) and one of low resistance Alu foil.

Total value of such one resistor will be near to value of your Alu foil resistance - mean very low resistance (except if you use foil length in range of ten meters).

By value of 100 Ohms you will get about 100kg of chocolate surplus - great for chocolate party.

[ToddB66]

Hi 6666 !

Yes, I'm sure resistors, not fuses.

Thanks,

ToddB66

[ToddB66]

How to make resistors using chocolate foil

This way you construct resistor which will be in fact composed of two resistors in parallel.

One resistor of higher resistance (graphite) and one of low resistance Alu foil.

Total value of such one resistor will be near to value of your Alu foil resistance - mean very low resistance (except if you use foil length in range of ten meters).

By value of 100 Ohms you will get about 100kg of chocolate surplus - great for chocolate party.

To everyone who replied, I owe an apology ! I just now went on the Internet and entered the following search title...."what electronic component can be made with chocolate foil ?" ; the answer is capacitors not resistors and information is readily available !

Sorry I wasted everyone's time.

ToddB66

[ToddB66]

Hi 6666 !

Yes, I'm sure resistors, not fuses.

Thanks,

ToddB66

6666......Please see my post #11.

ToddB66

[6666]

6666......Please see my post #11.

ToddB66

Understood.

[ODM]

Still the question of consistency and materials rises again. Temperature coefficient, charge leakage and other issues make it hard to use various materials, and what we see commonly now is a selection process of a century in materials science.

High voltage homebrewers etc. still occasionally make their own capacitors but for timing and measurement use it is sadly a bit excessive effort to approach useable components for a price even hundredfold compared to that.

But just for the sake of it, why not! A LCR meter, frequency source, oscope, will come in handy for finding out what you have put together. Reliable connections to foil, and some kind of wax/resin/lacquer encapsulation will be crucial for reliability and aging. It's nice to have the same part next week as it was today