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Registered Member #2919
Joined: Fri Jun 11 2010, 06:30PM
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 652
It will certainly be easier and probably more reliable, but will be less educational and might not perform as well (I don't know about the last bit as I've never heard of using lighting transformers to drive a flyback).
Banned on 4/6/2011 for unsafe, irresponsible behavior. Registered Member #3442
Joined: Fri Nov 26 2010, 04:09AM
Location: ....
Posts: 114
Well I will buy the lighting transformer, because it will be usful for other projects as well.
And this should be better than my first flyback driver, that was a 11 watt Tesco CFL ballast, which produced a 1.1cm arc, and could be used for long times without problems.
I have seen a CFL up to 105watt on eBay which shoul be a nice arc.
But anyway I will buy a halogen (lighting) transformer, I have my eyes on 60watt lighting transformer, which is £2.85 with free 2-3 day postage and maybe a 105watt lighting transformer.
I searched on youtube and found that a 60watt halogen lighting tranformer will produce nice arcs.
At 60 watts that impresive.
I think this has to be the most efficient, simple and cheapest flyback driver, as you can also use the transformer for other projects, and because the transformer is really dirt cheap.
Here is another example of a 50watt low voltage lighting transformer being used to power a flyback.
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
I have not gotten round to opening them yet.
Ash, the trasistor I told you, that you said it was a voltage regulator, it did drive my flyback for about 30seconds from a 1.5amp 12volt supply, it blew though.
Registered Member #1408
Joined: Fri Mar 21 2008, 03:49PM
Location: Oracle, AZ
Posts: 679
bwang wrote ...
It will certainly be easier and probably more reliable, but will be less educational and might not perform as well (I don't know about the last bit as I've never heard of using lighting transformers to drive a flyback).
I agree. The question you must ask is "do you want to learn HV electronics or make arcs"? To address the issue of a dimmer: it is typically used with a automotive coil (from the mains). Those fellows are not friendly if you get zapped however.
Banned on 4/6/2011 for unsafe, irresponsible behavior. Registered Member #3442
Joined: Fri Nov 26 2010, 04:09AM
Location: ....
Posts: 114
Well I hsve seen a 50 watt transformer with nearly 1" arc. (I have ordered a 60watt one)
I want it manily to study HV, and draw arcs and to have more power as my flyback driver right now is a 11watt cfl ballast.
And also to power a high power SGTC.
I made a 5" tall 2" wide SGTC with the 11watt CFL ballast, with parts from around the house. The streamer/dishcharges were puny, but could still be felt! and this was my first TC.
Registered Member #1408
Joined: Fri Mar 21 2008, 03:49PM
Location: Oracle, AZ
Posts: 679
Another suggestion may be to simply make a list of the various projects and the needed materials. If a project appeals to you more than others OR if one project may be near completion with materials at hand; that may influence you decisions and your purchases so as to conserve both money and time.
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Flyback Question
