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Re: Science Fair Project
From: Andrew Chin [SMTP:chinny-at-ozemail-dot-com.au]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 1997 6:18 AM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: Science Fair Project
Tesla List wrote:
> From: Adam [SMTP:absmith-at-tiac-dot-net]
> Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 1997 1:00 AM
> To: Tesla List
> Subject: Re: Science Fair Project
>
> Hi, this is a multi part, very lengthy (but hopefully informative)
> response to several of the previous responses. Enjoy.
>
> >> It may not be necsesarry to buy a neon transformer, you may get
> away
> >> with a car ignition coil...Feed the coils with 12 volts square wave
>
> >> or some hundred volts in pulsed current....
> >
> >I know that this is probably a bumb questions that shows my
> ignorance, but
> >what is "12 volt square wave" . I get the idea it means just feed it
> >bursts of electricity? I've read you can do this with a 555 timer- Is
> that
> >true, I would think the voltage would be a little high for a 555
> timer...
This message is directed to the original poster.
I have built a relatively low powered spark generator by using an
automotive ignition coil. Its input voltage is whatever the coil's
operating voltage is supposed to be, i.e. 12V or 6V, and it is driven by
a 555 timer (via a power transistor) running at 120Hz or thereabouts. I
am able to get spark lengths up to 20mm with this simple design.
With a bit of modification to the circuit (heavier output transistor,
etc.) you could possibly put a higher voltage into the coil.
If anyone is interested, please e-mail me for a circuit diagram.
Andrew Chin chinny-at-ozemail-dot-com.au