Sparker Reference Guide

[rcman50166]

That isn't a tesla coil. It appears to an ignition coil hooked up to a spark gap (hence "you can hear it in an auditorium") and directly linked to the batteries from there. It's classified as a DC transformer.

[*5*STAR*GENERAL*]

i got a question is a direct curcut better than an alt curcut?

[MrCrowley]

i got a question is a direct curcut better than an alt curcut?

http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/ext/basicsACDC-c.html

Why don't you spend 5 minutes of your life reading that instead of hijacking topcis.

[rcman50166]

If you're going to use a transformer based circuit then AC is needed to work. The principle, in general, is that a coil of wire will create a small EMP when the current changes direction. DC circuit will not do this so energy cannot be transformed via wire coil. Solid state systems can use DC because they don't use transformers. But as far a potato gun ignition is concerned, it doesn't really matter. But remember, DC current is much more deadly than AC current, that's why they use it for the electical chair.

[Kamikaze33]

god damnit i wish i would have found this site before i got out the soldering iron lol
heres my plan
i want to use an electric circuit, mainly so i can use a joystick to fire it (kinda like a mini gun). i currently have a camera flash circuit set up, and have already discovered its main flaw as listed (the capacitor has shit out on me). would my joystick apparatus still work with the electric bbq starter? heres a pic of it

[starman]

Watch the language there dude.

Your joystick is ultimately just a awitch like most any other and could be made to turn on just about anything. All an electric BBQ sparker requires is a some closed contacts...the joystick by itself should be able to provide that without your little mess of circuitry shown there.

[salasd]

hey totally random right here, but is it really possible to use a marx generator and if so could all the little sparks gaps be used in the chamber? even though they'd be closer it would make a fairly amazing ignition.

[KnooBill]

Hello, I was wondering whether you can achieve a high voltage difference (excuse my words, I'm aware of the terminology in English) between two poles with a dynamo.

[rcman50166]

hey totally random right here, but is it really possible to use a marx generator and if so could all the little sparks gaps be used in the chamber? even though they'd be closer it would make a fairly amazing ignition.

Well I've never personally used a marx generator myself, but it is entirely within the realm of possibility to use the spark gaps for firing. However, a fuel saturated chamber usually shortens jumping distances so is you're going to use a marx generator, make sure it has high tolerance values cause chances are its going to need a higher initiation voltage.

Hello, I was wondering whether you can achieve a high voltage difference (excuse my words, I'm aware of the terminology in English) between two poles with a dynamo.

Well to keep it short, you could, but it would be incredibly impractical. If I were going to use a mechanically operated device on it however, I would use a Wilmhurst generator or a Vann de Graff Generator. Both are relatively easy to make, or buy online

[rcman50166]

It would seem that the pilot hole image is no longer working. I've searched the internet for another image but yielded no results. Does anyone have an image or url to remedy this? It would be much appreciated.

[Clutch]

Would it be possible to wire a BBQ sparker to a small Spark plug, the kind off a lawn mower, etc. I always have problems getting my propane to ignite, I think it's the shit ignition i have.

Or better yet, is it possible to wire a Stun gun to a spark plug?

[rcman50166]

Yes, both work in that case. My first cannon I ever made had the first setup you described. It is very easy and simple to setup. The only reason you don't see more on the site is because it is more efficient to place the ignitor in the center of the chamber. A spark plug would be mounted on the side.

[nosebleedXD]

is it bad to have a
The Humble Piezoelectric Ignitor

inside of the chamber?

cause i want to make a gun design like combustion cannon with a handle and a button attached to it

any suggestions?

[rcman50166]

is it bad to have a
The Humble Piezoelectric Ignitor

inside of the chamber?

cause i want to make a gun design like combustion cannon with a handle and a button attached to it

any suggestions?

It's not bad, it'll still work. However I have not done that myself, I have seen it done to other cannons where only the red button is exposed. I'd imagine it would shorten its operating life though. If I were you I would make it removable so you can replace it when it dies.

[nosebleedXD]

i think the button is gonna get destroyed in there from the combustion so i rather not take the risk.. i guess ill do the old fashion taping method