Marx Generator question
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 12:54AMThese are new to me, and I'm just getting the idea of how it works. But just exactly how much power do you need? Like.... I'm a beginner as we all know.. so even 1-2 inches would be interesting for some time. But, how much power do i need?
Would like 20V over maybe 10 capacitors work?
Also, How big must the caps be? Online, I notice some have small disc capacitors, others, have ceramic capacitors. All I have at the moment are my 10 capacitors i got for coilguns.. 400V 470uf capacitors.
*sigh* I just noticed you need a mega power source :( As if id ever get one...
Re: Marx Generator question
Fraggle, Wed Nov 12 2008, 01:39AM
It`s really not that big of a deal! You just need an old flyback transformer, a few discretes including cheap high voltage disc capacitors and you`re away.
Fraggle, Wed Nov 12 2008, 01:39AM
It`s really not that big of a deal! You just need an old flyback transformer, a few discretes including cheap high voltage disc capacitors and you`re away.
Re: Marx Generator question
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 02:55AM
Whats a good place to get such transformers from the internet instead of killing a old TV from a thrift store? lol
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 02:55AM
Whats a good place to get such transformers from the internet instead of killing a old TV from a thrift store? lol
Re: Marx Generator question
Fraggle, Wed Nov 12 2008, 03:07AM
I`m not sure, just ask around. Someone will give you a broken tv in no time I know it.
Fraggle, Wed Nov 12 2008, 03:07AM
I`m not sure, just ask around. Someone will give you a broken tv in no time I know it.
Re: Marx Generator question
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 03:43AM
Well, of course those caps you have wouldn't work for a flyback driven marx, but just buy some caps like these:
Series like 4 of them for 32kv and 1175pf (1.175nf) and get flybacks from ebay like:
And you could get the resistors from ebay as well, just search around.
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 03:43AM
Well, of course those caps you have wouldn't work for a flyback driven marx, but just buy some caps like these:
Series like 4 of them for 32kv and 1175pf (1.175nf) and get flybacks from ebay like:
And you could get the resistors from ebay as well, just search around.
Re: Marx Generator question
rp181, Wed Nov 12 2008, 04:02AM
Or... You can make your own capacitors with transperencies and Aluminum Foil. People here have had great success with them, and basically cost a few cents each :).
rp181, Wed Nov 12 2008, 04:02AM
Or... You can make your own capacitors with transperencies and Aluminum Foil. People here have had great success with them, and basically cost a few cents each :).
Re: Marx Generator question
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 08:04PM
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 08:04PM
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
Re: Marx Generator question
Mads Barnkob, Wed Nov 12 2008, 08:35PM
A normal flyback from a TV shouldnt be able to kill you unless you try to swallow it, I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
Setting the spark gaps in your marx generator will discharge your marg generator when the voltage is high enough to break down the first spark gap.
Mads Barnkob, Wed Nov 12 2008, 08:35PM
Killa-X wrote ...
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
A normal flyback from a TV shouldnt be able to kill you unless you try to swallow it, I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
Setting the spark gaps in your marx generator will discharge your marg generator when the voltage is high enough to break down the first spark gap.
Re: Marx Generator question
uzzors2k, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:06PM
Haha me too, I was wearing pants though. Man I jumped! I didn't know flybacks had an internal capacitor at the time.
uzzors2k, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:06PM
MadsKaizer wrote ...
...I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
...I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
Haha me too, I was wearing pants though. Man I jumped! I didn't know flybacks had an internal capacitor at the time.
Re: Marx Generator question
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:31PM
That is my 555 flyback driver and it does not look like it but the sparks where about 1 or 2 inches, i do not remember. It was around 44 volts input that would probably drop to about 35-40 volts when arcing. I used irfp460 and different capacitor than the ignition coil driver from geocities. The zvs will get you very large arcs if you put high enough voltage+current. The 555 driver tends to give voltage not current, and the zvs gives current not voltage.
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:31PM
Killa-X wrote ...
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
Yes, it can. A simple 555 flyback driver with high input voltage(i used 50volts) will produce enough voltage for a one to two inch gap, just use a good mosfet.Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
That is my 555 flyback driver and it does not look like it but the sparks where about 1 or 2 inches, i do not remember. It was around 44 volts input that would probably drop to about 35-40 volts when arcing. I used irfp460 and different capacitor than the ignition coil driver from geocities. The zvs will get you very large arcs if you put high enough voltage+current. The 555 driver tends to give voltage not current, and the zvs gives current not voltage.
Re: Marx Generator question
101111, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:44PM
I can confirm this! Don't solder, work with capacitors, acid or HV while wearing boxers and only boxers.
Now back to topic, if you need a high voltage transformer there are several places to look. Might use a ignition coil from a car, or a fly back from a old TV, you can find also find HV transformers in laser printer or you can even wind your own.
101111, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:44PM
MadsKaizer wrote ...
(dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
(dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
I can confirm this! Don't solder, work with capacitors, acid or HV while wearing boxers and only boxers.
Now back to topic, if you need a high voltage transformer there are several places to look. Might use a ignition coil from a car, or a fly back from a old TV, you can find also find HV transformers in laser printer or you can even wind your own.
Re: Marx Generator question
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:48PM
Arcstarter, Wed Nov 12 2008, 09:48PM
Killa-X wrote ...
Would like 20V over maybe 10 capacitors work?
For a one to two inch arc? No. That would only be 200 volts, and it would not even work because 20 volts will not jump a spark gap. I would go with at least 2000volts with a CW because anything smaller than that would not jump a gap easily.Would like 20V over maybe 10 capacitors work?
Re: Marx Generator question
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 11:59PM
You made me laugh out loud with that "unless you try to swallow it" good one xD
Killa-X, Wed Nov 12 2008, 11:59PM
MadsKaizer wrote ...
A normal flyback from a TV shouldnt be able to kill you unless you try to swallow it, I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
Setting the spark gaps in your marx generator will discharge your marg generator when the voltage is high enough to break down the first spark gap.
Killa-X wrote ...
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
Also understanding a flyback is prob. one of those "touch and die" things, I'm guessing the best way to discharge is to screwdriver the 2 points in the large suction cup....
Cant a flyback transformer alone create 1-3 inch arcs?
A normal flyback from a TV shouldnt be able to kill you unless you try to swallow it, I have taken som direct hits to the inner thighs (dont work with HV only wearing boxers!)
Setting the spark gaps in your marx generator will discharge your marg generator when the voltage is high enough to break down the first spark gap.
You made me laugh out loud with that "unless you try to swallow it" good one xD
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