Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

How to Register on LPF | LPF Donations

Building TEA Laser






Re: TEA Laser

Ok, I don't really want to ask this but, anyone know where I can buy a CHEAP Neon sign transformer around 5-6kv?

And yes I've looked.
 
Re: TEA Laser

brando132 said:
Ok, I don't really want to ask this but, anyone know where I can buy a CHEAP Neon sign transformer around 5-6kv?

And yes I've looked.
Click to expand...

Just watch out for the new ones with the built in arc detector/ground fault sensor, those can really ruin your day.. Have you talked with local sign shops?
A gas furnace ignition transformer is 2.5Kv, lots of Ma, and you can voltage double it to 5 loaded and about 7 unloaded.

Steve
 
Last edited:
Ill try some sign shops tomorrow(if I have any), and I am looking for something in one package, without external parts.
 
You could also try a few heating places. Anywhere oil furnaces have been used, there are 10kV 23mA OBITs (oil burner ignition transformer) available. One place gave me three of them.
 
Well the only Neon sign store in town closes 10 minutes after I get out of school. so im going to have to try during school.:yabbmad:

I don't know of any places in my city where I could get a OBIT, and I think 10kV is too much from my understanding.
 
OBIT's have been used for this purpose. Usually, they are center-tapped, so you could get 5kV from the case (CT is connected to case) and either HV terminal. Sometimes on a used OBIT, only one side of the secondary still works.
 
billg519 said:
OBIT's have been used for this purpose. Usually, they are center-tapped, so you could get 5kV from the case (CT is connected to case) and either HV terminal. Sometimes on a used OBIT, only one side of the secondary still works.
Click to expand...

Ya, but I think its just easier to get a Neon sign transformer, but if I can't find any cheap ones I'll go for a OBIT.

P.S. Whats the average price of one?
 
The flyback transformer from a tv/computer monitor works good for TEA lasers too, tho its alittle more complex to use as it needs a transistor oscillator circuit, but its cheaper and safer than a NST/OBIT.
 
I'm thinking about building one of these things too - can you elaborate on what would be required, using a monitor's transformer?
 
I found some here ->High Voltage Transformers

Would either of the first 2 work? If so what would I have to do to make them work?(looks like there's no connections)

Yes, yes, very nooby, I know,


Also I tried looking in a local neon sign shop and they wanted 120$ for a frikkin transformer!
 
Last edited:
To make a flyback transformer work you need: a mosfet like a IRFP450 or a IRF540, a NE555 timer, two resistors and a capacitor, these values are experimental but for starters you can use 1kohm between pin 7 and 8, 56kohm between pin 6 and 7,
pin 2 and 6 are bridged, between pin 1 and 2, put a 100-1000pF capacitor and wire pin 3 to the gate of the mosfet, GND to pin 1 and 12V to pin 4 and 8.

Wind around 15-30 turns of magnet wire around the exposed part of the flyback core and wire between the mosfet drain and 12V, the source pin of the fet goes to GND.

Google "flyback driver" for schematics.
 
Thanks, but, well, I'll just have to find a preassembled one, it'll be way easier.
 
You won't find a pre-assembled one so easily. The best, cheapest and most powerful driver you can get is the ZVS. Its like magic.
zvs_sch_big.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top