SpudFiles

I've been reading up on ignition ideas, and haven't found one that will suit my ideas. So perhaps someone can suggest something.

It needs to:

Be very compact
Be capable of repeated sparks - up to 4-5 per second
Not use AC current
Be triggered with a simple touch switch (not a long travel button like a BBQ ignitor)

Yes, it's the last stumbling block in the design for my repeating combustion.

I'm thinking that perhaps the only way is an ignition coil, perhaps 6V from a scooter/RC engine? There's electronic ignition units now for 50cc Scooters which are smallish, light and use 6V. But perhaps someone can suggest something else?

Camera flashes seem to be out because of recharging time between "flashes", Tazers are out because of cost (they're very pricy here in France), BBQ Piezos are out because of the long travel button and the force needed to depress it.

Oh and if it's cheap as chips and easy to make that's even better.[/list]

Your asking to much.

I dont think there is any ignition source that is within your reach that has all your looking for.

How come your wish list is almost identical to everyone else's?

You can get a camera to charge faster by adding a battery or two. Anything over four and the circuit board will arc in my experience. Though, this would never get your 4-5 sparks/sec.

Why not try a complete car(cars come in compact sizes) ignition? maybe build your own?

You say Tasers are out, I assume that means stunguns as well? A stungun fits all the design criteria. Perhaps buy a "high voltage power source" from BCArms ($25)?

Or, find a source of a battery operated BBQ ignitor. They give several sparks/sec, are battery operated and probably (maybe?) can be hacked to fire from any kind of a switch.
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Oh found it:

Something like http://www.rccdi.com/]THISis perfect. Or maybe I can find the ignition system out of the Tippman C3?

I'm feel like being an ass, so I'm going to tell you that pretty much every ignition source has to use AC somewhere.

Anywho, you should try and get an electric BBQ sparker, they're my favourite type of ignition- reliable, legal, and super-easy-to-use.

I know not all hardware stores sell them, which is rather unfortunate. Mabye you could try online?

SPG wrote:I've been reading up on ignition ideas, and haven't found one that will suit my ideas. So perhaps someone can suggest something.

It needs to:

Be very compact
Be capable of repeated sparks - up to 4-5 per second
Not use AC current
Be triggered with a simple touch switch (not a long travel button like a BBQ ignitor)

Yes, it's the last stumbling block in the design for my repeating combustion.

I'm thinking that perhaps the only way is an ignition coil, perhaps 6V from a scooter/RC engine? There's electronic ignition units now for 50cc Scooters which are smallish, light and use 6V. But perhaps someone can suggest something else?

Camera flashes seem to be out because of recharging time between "flashes", Tazers are out because of cost (they're very pricy here in France), BBQ Piezos are out because of the long travel button and the force needed to depress it.

Oh and if it's cheap as chips and easy to make that's even better.[/list]

this is a battery powered bbq ignitor, it's awesome and meets all your criteria