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Noob Needs starting project suggestions

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LAN_403

cannon_fodder_001

Sun Jul 13 2008, 04:51PM

Registered Member #1587 Joined: Sun Jul 13 2008, 04:37PM
Location:
Posts: 1

I am new to the world of high voltage but not new to theory and computer technology. With those two things in mind can some people suggest to me some startup projects in which i build circuites to understand practically. My final goal would be to build and create some of the higer end devices. Oh and please tell me the TOOLS that all electroheads should have. Thanks...

Hazmatt_(The Underdog)

Sun Jul 13 2008, 06:42PM

Registered Member #135 Joined: Sat Feb 11 2006, 12:06AM
Location: Anywhere is fine
Posts: 1735

Build a Flyback driver.

You'll need a soldering iron and a DMM. Anything else is up to you.

Ultra7

Sun Jul 13 2008, 06:48PM

Registered Member #1157 Joined: Thu Dec 06 2007, 12:11PM
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 307

I guess we all start out somewhere.
I would say for ease of project and maximum return, build a flyback driver.

Flybacks are as easy to get as finding a busted monitor/tv set and pulling it out.

What everyone should have as far as tools?
A breadboard.
I'd say at least you should have a Soldering Iron/station with a de-solder pump and some solder wick.
Also basic hand tools, Screw drivers, drills, sawsall, you know. . .
From there, a couple of 2 dollar multimeters from Harbor freight tools.

That add says 4.99, but if you go up there, you can get them for 1.99. I get like three of them at a time, since I'm likely to blow them up.
If I don't, they make great stocking stuffers.

For parts, remember that TV set you took apart, well it has bunches and bunches of spare parts, as do microwave ovens.
Eventually tho, you'll want to get more gear and tools.

I'd get a cheap oscilloscope, an LCR meter, a variac, a function generator, and probably a recent copy of the ARRL handbook.
Resistors are easy to get in bulk, any hobby electonics store will have a big package of various commonly used values of resistors in what they call something like the "Bench resistor kit" or something like that. Same with ceramic caps, small electrolytics, LED's, the like. . .
Also, a decent bench power supply is kind of a must as well, but you can build a good one for cheap using an old ATX power supply out of an old computer.

Finally, I'd say these are the essentials.
Fire extinguisher - You'll never regret having this.
Safety glasses
Chicken stick

Chances are you probably have 90% of this already.

aonomus

Sun Jul 13 2008, 07:07PM

Registered Member #1497 Joined: Thu May 22 2008, 05:24AM
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 801

If you go towards pulsed power (coil guns, rail guns, induction launching, just blowing stuff up), you might want to make a pair of chickensticks with a lead + 1watt 1MOhm resistor to discharge. Fiddle with the resistance to get the desired effect, but its safer than shorting out with a screwdriver and won't mess up the caps in the long run.

Mads Barnkob

Sun Jul 13 2008, 08:41PM

Registered Member #1403 Joined: Tue Mar 18 2008, 06:05PM
Location: Denmark, Odense C
Posts: 1968

Marx generators are also simple and can be put together just by soldering the components together without any boards etc.

These will give nice loud sparks even at small ones, the one I build was my first HV project and you can see it here

combine this project with a flybackdriver and you got something similar to uzzors marx generator that I am very fond of and will build one like it when I need time off from the coils :)

uzzors 180kv marx

Part Scavenger

Wed Jul 16 2008, 01:00PM

Registered Member #79 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 11:35AM
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 673

This is a really good multimeter for really cheap. I have two of them, and they are as accurate as my $200+ meters. It also measures capacitance and temperature.

I'd start looking for an oscilloscope too. Minimum, you want 20-30Mhz, dual trace. Should be around $50. Sometimes you can get a steal around $20. Just post us and ask us what we think it you like. Look at eBay and the local state redistribution office.

Radio Shack carries a pretty decent soldering iron for first use. Their desoldering iron is good for cheap too. Great for removing flybacks and whatnot.

Oh, and definitely get a breadboard. Last I checked Mouser.com and All Electronics had pretty good deals. A good one should run you about 30 bucks

Oh, and I'd build the classic 2N3055 flyback driver and move up to the Mazzilli circuit. Expect to blow up several 2n3055's.

Have fun!

Ultra7

Wed Jul 16 2008, 01:59PM

Registered Member #1157 Joined: Thu Dec 06 2007, 12:11PM
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 307

Whoops, accidentally posted a reply on the wrong tab.

How are your experiments coming along?

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