#451 ArcGeneratorKit
Playing with a high-voltage arc generator kit that uses step-up transformer with a simple feedback control of a D882 power transistor.
Here’s a quick demo..
Notes
This is a version of a very common High Voltage Arc Kit. It is basically a step-up transformer with a simple feedback control of a D882 power transistor. It is actually a demonstration of the same circuit used on “plasma lighters”.
Specifications
- Input Voltage: 3.7-4.2V
- Input Current: <= 2A
- Output Voltage: <= 15kV
- Output Current: <= 0.4A
- High Voltage Polarization Ignition Distance: <= 0.5cm
The Basic Circuit
I redrew the basic schematic here in EasyEDA.
bigclivedotcom did a tear-down of a commercial “plasma lighter” and no surprise, it uses the same circuit as demonstrated with this kit.
Parts
This is a simple circuit with few parts - most of the magic happens in the transformer windings.
Interestingly, the kit I purchased contained two of each transistor, diode and resistor. Have they learned that people who buy HV arcs are more than likely to smoke at least one part?!!
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15KVE-1 Step-Up Coil | 1 | 3 windings |
| 470Ω resistor | 1 | 2 x 470Ω supplied. Other versions of this kit use 120Ω or 200Ω |
| FR107 Diode | 1 | 2 supplied |
| NPN Power Transistor | 1 | 2 supplied. Unmarked, but appears to be D882 |
| Insulated Wire | 2 | for power connector |
| Heatsink | 1 | for transistor, with mounting nut & bolt (nut is not actually required as the heatsink has tapped mounting hole) |
| heatshrink tubing | 3cm | presumably to insulate connections if built ugly style |
Many of the kits currently available seem to have been upgraded slightly, to include a switch and PCB.
Step-up Transformer Details
| Winding | Inductance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 17µH | thicker magnet wire |
| Feedback | 27µH | thinner magnet wire |
| Arc/secondary | 1.5H | mounted opposite the primary and feedback windings |
The primary and feedback windings come with the ends to be connected to the positive power supply already wound together. This hopefully ensures correct connections!
Construction
I used a 5cm x 7cm piece of single-sided protoboard to mount the kit, adding:
- push-button switch
- 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel jack for power supply
Performance
Works just fine. With a supply of 5V, it draws around 1.6A during arc.
