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Zero budget mini ion ray gun

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flannelhead

Sat Aug 25 2007, 09:30AM

Registered Member #952 Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 11:07AM
Location: Finland
Posts: 388

Hello there!
I want to show you my minimalistic project I finished yesterday. It's a mini ion gun, made mainly from disposable camera components. It's zero budget because I already had all the stuff I needed for it! :)
Some technical info:
-Power source: one 1.2V AA 1200 mAh NiMH rechargeable battery (normal 1.5V non-rechargeable ones work also)
-Inverter: the transformer from a disposable camera with its driver (220 ohm resistor and 2SD2504), puts out 330V
-Voltage multiplier: 6-stage CW made from the small capacitor and diodes from disposable cameras, diodes are configured for positive output. Capacitors are 2nf (I suppose)
-Limiting resistor is 10 Mohm
-Discharge point is just a sharp needle
-Grounding: user (the grounding wire in the handle is seen in the pics)
The gun was assembled, of course, with hot glue (I love that stuff :)
Schematic for the inverter was found here http://www.increa.com/reverse/dc/dcschem.gif, although my cameras were blue fujifilm ones, not kodak.

The performance was surprising when I tested it first time. I could feel the ion "wind" ~7 cm from the discharge point. It can also stick some small pieces of paper (4cm*4cm) to the wall for ~ten minutes. It gives some arcs of max. 5mm. Not bad for as simple device as this is, or what do you think?

Here's some pics of the gun:
Overall

And some video (wmv format because I hadn't got time to mess with mpeg2 encoders :(
The arcs are 5mm or something

]1188034147_952_FT0_arcing.wmv[/file]
All comments are welcome! :)

Capper

Sat Aug 25 2007, 01:35PM

Registered Member #914 Joined: Fri Jul 20 2007, 06:22PM
Location: South Bend, IN
Posts: 85

You may get better output if you make the end terminal negative. I made a similar device using a disposable camera power supply attached to an automatic spark unit for a gas stove.

Scott

flannelhead

Sat Aug 25 2007, 03:05PM

Registered Member #952 Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 11:07AM
Location: Finland
Posts: 388

Capper wrote ...

You may get better output if you make the end terminal negative. I made a similar device using a disposable camera power supply attached to an automatic spark unit for a gas stove.

Scott

I've tried both, negative and positive output but the positive seems to be more powerful. I don't know why is this, but the positive just works better.

Spedy

Sat Aug 25 2007, 06:54PM

Registered Member #964 Joined: Wed Aug 22 2007, 12:39AM
Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 134

Wow! this is awesome. A bike ride down to target is a lot cheaper than $50 from Information Unlimited. It probably has more performance, but this little thing you threw together is COOL. I'm definatly going to build one of these some time :)

I'll give this project 11/10 for being budget-friendly and effective, not to mention looking plain cool.

sparky

Sun Aug 26 2007, 12:34AM

Registered Member #530 Joined: Sat Feb 17 2007, 07:56AM
Location: Victoria BC, Canada
Posts: 178

Very cool! I like this project you built :) I bet it tickles if you touch the output :P

flannelhead

Sun Aug 26 2007, 08:10AM

Registered Member #952 Joined: Mon Aug 13 2007, 11:07AM
Location: Finland
Posts: 388

Yep, it tickles somewhat, and it can give you an rf burn if you put your finger close enough ;) If you're gonna build this, remember the 10M resistor on the output. If you forget this, the CW will give you a very nasty shock :(

CT2

Tue Aug 28 2007, 05:45PM

Registered Member #180 Joined: Thu Feb 16 2006, 02:12AM
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 187

Your 10M resistor looks a little small (physically) for that voltage... it might arc over when you touch it and then you'll get the full shock.

Josh

Wed Aug 29 2007, 01:31AM

Registered Member #938 Joined: Sat Aug 04 2007, 05:39AM
Location: Honokaa,HI,USA
Posts: 65

Nice!
I have a small 15 kv supply but I want more power so I'm going
to do what you did. I give it a 10/10 too cheap,fun and easy :)
Also what type of diodes and there ratings ? I may get some along with
my order and some capaciters then I will need one camera

Spedy

Wed Aug 29 2007, 03:05AM

Registered Member #964 Joined: Wed Aug 22 2007, 12:39AM
Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 134

Oh, about the positive output thingy, I find that If I use HV in +DC output I get all quesey. Maybe its just me, but I prefer -DC as it doesn't do this too me.

Just my $0.02

Bjørn

Wed Aug 29 2007, 04:25AM

Registered Member #27 Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 02:20AM
Location: Hyperborea
Posts: 2058

It could be that you get more ozone when using the positive output. Ozone can make you pretty sick.

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