Re: new flyback transformer HV question

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Karl L by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <karl-at-coolbluesky-dot-com>

Hi Ryan, all;

I recently designed a two transistor flyback driver similar to the one
commercially available at Ramsey electronics.  Utilizing a clear 40 watt
appliance bulb, I got nice purple streamers to the glass.  When a ground
(other than the capacitive discharge to my fingers) was good, the higher
current flow created yellow/orange streamers.  This can be demonstrated by
bringing a ground wire close to the bulb.

I have used my bulb for several hours, and am careful not to overheat it, as
it will eventually puncture.  I hope you find this observation useful.

Regards,

Karl


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 11:03 PM
Subject: Re: new flyback transformer HV question


 > Original poster: "Jonathan Peakall by way of Terry Fritz
<teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <jpeakall-at-madlabs.info>
 >
 > Ryan,
 >
 > If the sparks in the lightbulb are getting yellowish, I think it is
because
 > air is begining to get into the bulb. Drawing arcs through the glass must
 > punch holes. Try a new bulb and see. I have had this happen, and replacing
 > the bulbs works.
 >
 > Try a tool dip type of insulation for yor flyback. Since you can't take it
 > apart, dip it whole. I find it works pretty well.
 >
 > Jonathan
 >
 > www.madlabs.info
 >
 > ----- Original Message -----
 > From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
 > To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
 > Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 5:57 AM
 > Subject: new flyback transformer HV question
 >
 >
 >  > Original poster: "Ryan Molecke by way of Terry Fritz
 > <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <ryan-at-molecke-dot-com>
 >  >
 >  > Hi All,
 >  >
 >  >
 >  >     Thanks greatly to those who have commented on this thread already!
 >  >
 >  >     So now I have a new, $1.50 flyback transformer with no internal
 > diodes. I
 >  > wound 4 turns of 20 gauge (or so) wire for the primary. I have 2 turns
for
 >  > my flyback. Sparks started flying!
 >  >
 >  >     I found that if the ratio between flyback/primary turns has to be
low
 >  > enough so that you don't punch too much V through the transistor and
then
 >  > the sparks stop (at least this is my theory of why the sparks stop
 >  > sometimes). I'm getting sparks at about 1cm which I can drag to about
3cm.
 >  > When I hook up to a clear 40W bulb I get plasma in the bulb!!
 >  >
 >  >     I am about to try the 2 transistor version of this circuit. I'm
sure
 > it
 >  > will pump up the voltage as I am told it will by fellow coilers. Before
I
 >  > try this I have some questions/comments I would like to bounce off
 >  > knowledgeable people.
 >  >
 >  >     I was unable to take the transformer apart. I wound the wire
through
 > the
 >  > ferrite core with some black electrical tape around it. I'm now seeing
 >  > corona from both primary and flyback, apparently into the ferrite core.
My
 >  > poor man's plasma bulb also shows the tendency to have an orange flame
 > that
 >  > arcs right to the glass. hmmmmmmm.
 >  >
 >  >     I'm going to have to build my own flyback completely from scratch,
it
 >  > seems. Does anyone know what the orange flame instead of bluish plasma
 >  > means?
 >  >
 >  > Thanks!
 >  > Ryan Molecke
 >  >
 >  >
 >  >
 >
 >
 >