CO2 Power Supply Schematic Help

[upaa27]

Don't! Pots have limited power dissipation and withstanding voltage rating. It'll burn up, arc over and/or electrocute you when you touch the shaft.

Yeah, I tapped the pot's shaft with a screwdriver and saw sparks then removed it.

 

[Things]

Please just stop and buy a premade PSU, you can get them for a little over $100 shipped on eBay. Learning is good and all but learning on something where 1 error could kill you, you're not exactly doing yourself any favours.

 

[upaa27]

Added in the caps which increased output, although it still doesn't look like it is emitting anywhere near full power. I am thinking that not enough voltage is going in and not ionizing all the gas. What do you guys think?

 

[Things]

If the tube is lasing at all, then there's enough voltage. Not enough current is the problem.

 

[upaa27]

If the tube is lasing at all, then there's enough voltage. Not enough current is the problem.

I see. Also thanks for your concern for my safety. I don't know what to say except that I am taking as many safety precautions as possible (triple checking caps, wearing rubber gloves, using one hand, standing on rubber...).

As for current I might test out this zvs flyback for higher current

Thanks a ton man.