The HV input filter… Input filter Mk1, on the left is my adjustable safety gap with the center electrode grounded, top and bottom are two 470 ohm 30W wirewound resistors in series on each 5kV leg, the small blue blobs are 1000pF 3kV caps in a mini MMC setup giving … Continue reading…
Following some further research, I have decided to try this circuit first as the one shown at the end of the page seems to be a bit radical in it’s design and probably not for suitable raw beginners. This one might not have the same output but it should be … Continue reading…
The power supply and spark-gap board… Pictured above is my completed power supply board. The input filter and safety-gap board sits on top of the neon sign transformer. The small grey box (lower left corner) is the supply junction box and also houses the second mains line filter and MOV. … Continue reading…
Transformer – Microwave oven transformer, 2100v output. C1 – Two microwave oven capacitors, total value around 2uF. D1 – Two microwave oven diodes in series. F1 – Variac protection fuse, around 5-10A. This circuit has several different names – level shifter, voltage doubler etc. It outputs around twice the transformers … Continue reading…
This is my finished control box. It is built into a standard toolbox which was the cheapest way of making a safe and easily portable unit. I had a neat wooden insert made for me which slots into the toolbox. The front panel contains the variac for power control, output … Continue reading…
The freshly wound secondary coil. The coil former is 68mm pvc pipe, dried, wound and varnished three times. As before, the winding jig was made up of junk box stuff, this time I used a battery operated drill to turn the former, which was much better. Total winding time was … Continue reading…