What's the Diode for?

Hey, All.

When I modded my Etherwave Standard with the module last week, some videos showed the Black Diode being removed, then re-installed on the underside of the board.

The written instructions said to just remove the Black Diode and not replace it.

I kept the Black Diode, but I did not re-install it.  My Etherwave Standard sounds great with the mod, but I'm wondering what that Black Diode is for, and whether anyone here has replaced it / not replaced it, and what the results were?

Thanks!

"When I modded my Etherwave Standard with the module last week, some videos showed the Black Diode being removed, then re-installed on the underside of the board."  - maginy

I assume you're talking about the ESPE01 module?  The module replicates the mixing diode, so I don't believe the original is necessary anymore, but I also believe leaving the original in-circuit is OK.  Thierry could tell you for sure.

Correct - I installed the ESPE01 module.

If Theirry or anyone else can let me know for sure, that would be great.

Thanks for your reply, Dewster!!

I believe the black diode referred to is seen on the upper right side of board.  Maybe used for protection - 1N4001 ?

"I believe the black diode referred to is seen on the upper right side of board.  Maybe used for protection - 1N4001 ?"  - oldtemecula

Yes, I think you're probably right.  Perhaps to prevent reverse voltage on one of the supply rails?

That is the Diode that I'm referring to - the one in the upper right of the pic.

I know that Diodes are designed to allow current to flow in only one direction, so it would make sense that it's for some kind of protection to prevent reverse current flow.

I was just confused by the fact that some videos showed it being put back onto the board (on the underside), whereas the written instructions said you don't need to replace it.

All good, tho.  My Etherwave Std works and sounds great with the ESPE01 module and no Diode