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LIGHT

Sat Dec 25 2010, 12:36AM

Banned on 4/6/2011 for unsafe, irresponsible behavior.
Registered Member #3442 Joined: Fri Nov 26 2010, 04:09AM
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Posts: 114

Hi guys, I wanted to ask a question about using a CFL balast as a flyback driver, I have a 11watt cfl, I ask that if I plug it all up will my mother house mains mess up or anything?

To power the CFL, I have a old cable with a 3AMP fuse.

Thanks...

Ash Small

Sat Dec 25 2010, 12:56AM

Registered Member #3414 Joined: Sun Nov 14 2010, 05:05PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4245

What other safety precautions are you taking?

It should be ok, as long as you've read up on the usual HV precautions.

Keep one hand in your pocket, don't touch anything while it's plugged in, etc.

I say this because I remember your last thread. If you've spent the time since researching HV safety, etc you should be ok.

Remember, the hospitals are pretty busy this time of year.

ubuntupokemoninc

Sat Dec 25 2010, 12:59AM

Banned on 1/22/2011 for repeated rule violations after multiple warnings.
Registered Member #3299 Joined: Sat Oct 09 2010, 08:11PM
Location: Bantown, USA
Posts: 220

dude just get a 2n3055 transister and 2 other resister and you can't a flyback on a 9volt battery!

Ash Small

Sat Dec 25 2010, 01:06AM

Registered Member #3414 Joined: Sun Nov 14 2010, 05:05PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4245

Yep, a 27 ohm and a 240 ohm, that's the advice I gave last time, but you have to start somewhere.

(It's all in Walshy's previous thread)

Plasmana

Sat Dec 25 2010, 01:03PM

Registered Member #3108 Joined: Thu Aug 12 2010, 05:37PM
Location: Worthing, England
Posts: 72

walshy155 wrote ...

Hi guys, I wanted to ask a question about using a CFL balast as a flyback driver, I have a 11watt cfl, I ask that if I plug it all up will my mother house mains mess up or anything?

To power the CFL, I have a old cable with a 3AMP fuse.

Thanks...

You want to use the CFL ballast as an flyback transformer? That is not possible as the ballast has one set of windings which is several hundred turns long. You will need an primary winding to make it an transformer, even then it is still not a flyback transformer.

If you want to use the CFL to drive the flyback transformer, I am not sure how that works, I have seen someguy do this to make it work, Ill try find the link.

EDIT: Found it:

The only downside is it needs an high power CFL to work, and they aren't that many around..

Ash Small

Sat Dec 25 2010, 01:17PM

Registered Member #3414 Joined: Sun Nov 14 2010, 05:05PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4245

All the links are in Walshy's previous thread, Plasmana.

This is his first project, his mum thinks he's going to blow the house up.

Sounds like he's got a CFL now, He already has the link you're looking for.

He just needs to know he's working safely, I think.

EDIT: His previous thread is here:

Chris Russell locked it (for obvious reasons if you read it). He was advised that the simplest route was to use a CFL. Sounds like he's got one now.

He's also obviously making an attempt to conform to accepted forum protocol (we all had to learn sometime) and avoid having this thread locked.

If he can get the CFL wired up, no doubt his next step will be to get a 2N3055, a heatsink, and a couple of resistors.

Give him a break, it's Christmas.

Plasmana

Sat Dec 25 2010, 04:28PM

Registered Member #3108 Joined: Thu Aug 12 2010, 05:37PM
Location: Worthing, England
Posts: 72

Ahh, sorry walshy, I didn't see your other thread so I got a bit confused by the question you were asking, I read your other thread and it all make sense now. (thanks for pointing out his thread Ash)

To answer your question, (ignore my other post) no, it shouldn't mess up your house mains. Even if they was something wrong with the circuit, the fuse will blow or it might not do anything at all, it still won't damage your house wirings.

LIGHT

Wed Dec 29 2010, 07:22PM

Banned on 4/6/2011 for unsafe, irresponsible behavior.
Registered Member #3442 Joined: Fri Nov 26 2010, 04:09AM
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Posts: 114

Thanks to all who replied, I used a cheap 11watt Tesco CFL ballast to drive the FBT, I got a small 1CM arc.

I want a longer one. I'll have to take a look at a ZVS circuit.

And I brushed my arm past the HV ground, it felt like wind was blowing on my arm, weird.

Ash Small

Wed Dec 29 2010, 08:16PM

Registered Member #3414 Joined: Sun Nov 14 2010, 05:05PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4245

I'd recommend the single transistor circuit first, all you need is a 2N3055 transistor, a heatsink, a 27 ohm resistor and a 240 ohm resistor. It will be a lot cheaper and easier than the ZVS, and you'll learn about wattage ratings.

Oh, you'll need a chicken stick as well, if you don't already have one.

quicksilver

Wed Dec 29 2010, 11:37PM

Registered Member #1408 Joined: Fri Mar 21 2008, 03:49PM
Location: Oracle, AZ
Posts: 679

MJE13009 transistor does an enormously better job than the 2N3055 in single transistor drivers. Specs on all levels out preform the 2N3055 (even cost!)
Check out:

In exploring an HV hobby please consider using something OTHER than direct mains powered source initially. Many great sources of 12-36v power exist that will get you a great little arc for your driver. Re-read safety issues concerning aspects of self preservation. It's better to have a Happy New Year than one where a lesson was learned via experience rather than study.

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