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Re: [TCML] re: ignition coil pulse generator
Capacitive discharge is a common way to fire an ignition coil. In this scheme, an audio frequency inverter steps 12vdc up to 400vdc or so and stores it in a capacitor. This capacitor periodically dumps its charge into the coil primary (usually by a thyristor switch), giving 10's of kv discharge on the secondary.
If simplicity is what you're after, a car ignition coil can be pulsed from a regular 120vac outlet using an electronic lamp dimmer and a series capacitor to limit the current.
http://myweb.cableone.net/grcarhunter/cararc.htm
A 400-600v motor run cap of 2 to 10uF works well for this duty. If discharged through a spark gap, this setup gives a continuous flaming arc output, like an NST. I ran a circuit like this as an electric fence charger 24/7 back when I had a big vegetable garden. I only saw it tested once, when my poor bulldog sniffed at the live wire. She never did that again! Let's just say it made a lasting impression on her. Oh yeah, it kept the bunnies away from my zucchini, too.
Cheers,
Greg
--- On Wed, 9/2/09, Dr. John W. Gudenas <comsciprof@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: Dr. John W. Gudenas <comsciprof@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [TCML] re: ignition coil pulse generator
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 3:23 PM
> While all my work now is with VTTC
> and DRSSTC coils, I have run enough
> cars on the drag strip to suggest you believe it.
> I have seen racers go into cardiac arrest by getting a HV
> and high
> current shock from MSD ignition systems.
>
> Treat those coils with respect.
> John
>
> John W. Gudenas, Ph.D.
> Professor of Computer Science
>
> On Sep 2, 2009, at 2:48 PM, Rhys Sage wrote:
>
> > I was in o' Reilys the other day and they had coils
> which they
> > claimed produced 55kv, 18kv, 30kv etc.
> >
> > Rhys Sage
> >
> >
> >
> > SagePhotoWorld.com
> >
> >
> >
> > America's favorite photographer.
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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