Let me start by saying that I am not trying to put anyone down or say that there is anything wrong with the mods here.

But there seems to be a lot of threads being closed without real consideration for what the people are asking.

So few Moderators, so many repeat posts on topics that are not acceptable for this forum. They might seem like hasty closures to you, however our Moderators have a good bit more time on here than I do, and I joined several years ago. People just don't read the forum rules and guidelines; they just post whatever question they have. If they'd read and ABIDE by the guidelines, our Moderators would not have to pull out the mallet and play Whack-A-Mole.

For example there was a recent one closed because the OP wanted to make his own tail light for his "dirt bike". If this bike is used on private property then who cares what he does to his tail light but he never got the chance to explain.

This is like the "Nose of the Camel Under The Tent Flap" - if the camel can get his nose in, then suddenly you'll have the whole darn camel in the tent - along with the rest of the herd.

Safety-related automotive lighting is not a suitable topic for discussion on these forums. The only thing that we can recommend is maintaining the lenses, bulbs and wiring as configured when delivered at the dealer's showroom, as that way they are in compliance with laws/regulations at that time period, and as such would be "grandfathered" in if there were changes in the laws/regulations.

There is no possible way for us to propose circuits/etc for someone to install as safety-related lighting, and be even remotely assured that it would be in conformance with state/local regulations, be properly constructed, etc. These types of things are simply not suitable for even advanced hobbyists.

Another was wanted to put bright lights under his dash board... closed without discussion. This may have been a "show car" never to be used on the road.

A completely frivolous thread. Next thing you know, we'd have n00bs trying to copycat the idea, and blinding themselves or simply getting distracted while driving on public roads. The roads are dangerous enough without having people build projects that make them even less attentive while driving.

Yet another wanted to build a bug zapper but was closed because of the high voltages used. Your forum rules state that you can't discuss anything connected directly to mains. Well transformers are connected directly to mains so we better ban all dicussion that involve transformers. People may kill themselves or others while wiring the transformer.

Well, bug zappers can give a pretty good jolt. There's too much of a chance that people would abuse a "bug zapper" schematic and make it into something quite dangerous.

Transformers, OTOH, step a high-power mains voltage to a much lower power level, and provide complete isolation. The output power of a transformer is limited by it's VA rating. Large transformers are quite expensive, but even with a large transformer, the output current is much less than the potential of directly wiring to the mains.

How about a little consideration PRIOR to slamming a thread closed. Find out the real purpose of the project.

They almost always do.

There have been very, very few times over the last several years where I have questioned our Moderators' judgement in closing a thread; and amongst those few threads it was usually a misinterpretation or mis-reading of the intent of the thread. Everyone makes mistakes, even Moderators. They are, after all, mere humans. However, they are very, very good at keeping the forums running smoothly.

 

<snip>For example there is a blanket ban on projects involving the ECU of a car because of air pollution regulations but what if the mod that a poster wants to do to the ECU actually improves emissions?

Auto manufacturers spend a lot on engineering teams to ensure that their vehicles have a good balance of performance, economy, and stay within the emissions requirements under all operating conditions within the cost constraints.

It is unlikely that an amateur will be able to make improvements. Besides, it is illegal in most countries to make modifications to the emissions systems of vehicles that will be driven on public roads. Since this Board is hosted in one of those countries where such modifications are illegal, the Board must be kept in compliance with those regulations/laws.

Also what a moderator might be closing a thread for maybe illegal/immoral/improper in his country but maybe perfectly legal in the country of the OP.

In that case, the OP is welcome to post their question on a board that is in their country - but not on this board.

 

And here is another. Admitedly it hasn't been closed (yet) but the Mod has made it clear the question is inappropriate.

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=41675

But why??????? What rule has he breached??????

 

But why??????? What rule has he breached??????

We have a rule against messing with an automobile's emission system.

It is not clear from the thread so far whether it is an automobile other IC engine. I can understand the restriction on automobiles, but if this is something else (like a homebuilt airplane), I can also understand the desire not to burn the valves by running too lean.

John

 

My point exactly. There is no mention about the application. It could be a generator or some other object. It could also be for a racing car which has already had its emmissions totally destroyed anyway.

 

My point exactly. There is no mention about the application. It could be a generator or some other object. It could also be for a racing car which has already had its emmissions totally destroyed anyway.

You should just really give up in trying to convince people on seeing your view on things.... Rules are rules, and no matter where you go, there are going to be rules weather people like it or not.... if you are really inclined in helping people mess with their autos or play with high voltage stuff that could kill someone, join another forum, there are plenty out there, or start your own and make your own rules...... I build a lot of high voltage stuff (rail guns, 15000 Volt Dazer), and I have built a lot of circuits concerning LED's going to the beat of the music in cars, even HHO generators for people, etc. , but you do not see me imposing what I think should be done here, I respect the forums desire to keep risk to others at a minimum, and keep it clean for the whole "audience".....


My. 02

B. Morse

 

I think it is time to let this discussion die in peace. You have made your point Windoze Killa. But I think further discussion will not change anything. If you are interested in car ECUs/tuning, I am sure you will find several forums for this topic on the net. Probably with better knowledge than AAC regarding ECUs/tuning. You do not have to only use one electronic forum. It is perfectly normal to be member of several forums.