Help dismantling an electric BBQ igniter

Boom! The classic potato gun harnesses the combustion of flammable vapor. Show us your combustion spud gun and discuss fuels, ratios, safety, ignition systems, tools, and more.
eXodus31337
Private
Private
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:37 pm

Sat Jun 11, 2011 5:08 pm

I'm dismantling an electric BBQ igniter so I can fit it in the wooden handle of my spud gun.

I'm both ignorant and the biggest wuss when it comes to electricity. Could you help me dismantle this without shocking myself? I mean, is there any danger from the transformer or is shorting the capacitor enough to make the circuit safe to manipulate?

And the blue cylinder marked 250v is the capacitor, right?

Thanks
Attachments
2011-06-11 17.33.50.jpg
farmerboy32
Private 2
Private 2
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:43 pm

Sat Jun 11, 2011 6:39 pm

yes the blue cylinder is the capacitor. Just cut the plastic off, checking behind not to cut the circuitry.then hook your battery wires and trigger up!.
User avatar
saefroch
Staff Sergeant 2
Staff Sergeant 2
Posts: 1679
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:47 am
Location: U.S.A.- See Map

Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:38 pm

Why do you want to take this all apart? To make sure the capacitor is safe to handle, remove any power sources then use an insulated screwdriver and close the circuit across the two leads.
eXodus31337
Private
Private
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:37 pm

Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:44 pm

it is too bulky to fit in the wooden handle

Thanks for the replies, I needed to confirm the capacitor was the only concern
eXodus31337
Private
Private
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:37 pm

Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:45 pm

The transformer is buried under a solid centimeter of plastic...it's a pain to reach
User avatar
saefroch
Staff Sergeant 2
Staff Sergeant 2
Posts: 1679
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:47 am
Location: U.S.A.- See Map

Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:52 pm

Well good luck reconstructing the circuitry exactly in a different setup. It'll be a heck of a lot of soldering.
User avatar
Technician1002
Captain
Captain
Posts: 5189
Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:10 am

Sat Jun 11, 2011 10:50 pm

The transformer is potted to keep out moisture and prevent arcing at the transformer. Cutting it out will most likely destroy it.
eXodus31337
Private
Private
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:37 pm

Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:06 pm

Would it keep those problems from happening if I injected hot glue once in the handle of the canon?
warhead052
Staff Sergeant 3
Staff Sergeant 3
Posts: 1769
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2011 5:41 pm

Sun Jun 12, 2011 10:11 am

Can you show us a picture of the spud gun handle? It might help us figure out a way to help you mount it instead of taking it apart.
eXodus31337
Private
Private
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:37 pm

Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:56 am

Sure, there are some in my previous post
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic,p,316924.html
User avatar
saefroch
Staff Sergeant 2
Staff Sergeant 2
Posts: 1679
Joined: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:47 am
Location: U.S.A.- See Map

Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:10 pm

I suggest using a piezo instead, if size is so much of an issue.. It's simpler and far smaller.
warhead052
Staff Sergeant 3
Staff Sergeant 3
Posts: 1769
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2011 5:41 pm

Sun Jun 12, 2011 5:19 pm

Ah ok. Yeah, just use a regular sparker. It would be easier, but may not yield take a bit more time to fire off.
Post Reply