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On Thu, 8 Jan 1998, CHK BOONE wrote:

> << The real point is that when it comes to these scooters (and life
support
>  systems) a reed switch, despite the simplicity and seeming cheapness of
>  this electronic artifice, is a better choice than relays, op amps, power
>  mosfets and other miscellaneous electro goobery. 

While I absolutely agree with George that simplicity is best, 
it does pay sometimes to evaluate reliability vs. simplicity.

George, I don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but the simple truth
is that sometimes solid state electronics are simply better.
This doesn't mean you have to have three relays hooked up
in series or some other "goobery".  Point in fact, let's
take a look at Detroit, where the engineering boys know
a shitload about reliable electronics.

Do you see a reed switch in ABS braking systems?  Ahh, no,
I don't think so.  Where the rubber meets the road, and
you need five million repeatable events, reed
switches, in all their mechanical simplicity, just don't
cut it.  The boys in Detroit use Hall-effect sensors, which
don't have crushable glass tubing or slapping pieces
of metal.  At depth, where things squeeze, this is extra important.

While I agree that MOSFETS are stupidity for scooters,
and that relays are the best power-switching solution
for the job, the simple fact is that Hall-Effect sensors 
are a superior solution to mechanical reed switches.

Techno-geekery for it's own sake is pretty rediculous, but
there are plenty of areas where engineers know their
shit cold, and reed switches vs. Hall Effect sensors 
are one clear example.

(that said, I did just order one of George's scooters,
after my shitty scooter shit the bed at a lousy 160fsw)

-Will
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