Joule Thief

[Cap-Z-ro]

It keeps nagging away at me that the Steven Marks unit may simply be a ramped up 9 volt jule thief.

Regards...

[Pirate88179]

@ Jeanna:

If you want to exactly replicate my modified Fuji AA board, here is how it is hooked up.  (I am learning how to use paint)

Legend below.

X= where I originally hooked up to where the resistor was, had a cold solder joint and it burned the area around the connection.

1=connection to the stripped side of the diode

2=My new connection to end pin on transformer AND one side of metal capacitor.  (same path)  I did the double connection for added strength.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bill

[timmy1729]

Well, I'm still on page 27 of this thread, but I thought I would post pics of the board I have. I got lucky and found an 8 year old disposable Kodak MAX HQ. The board seemed similar enough to the ones you all have. I am reading the rest of the thread, but is there anything I can do with this board? Are these boards the "new" developments in Joule Thief tinkering? What should I do with this board to get some power out of my AA's? If it really gives good results, I would try hooking it to my Earth Battery 

Oh, I've included pics of my Joule Thief too 
Showing off like a proud father or something 

[Pirate88179]

@ Pirate 

Bill,  300 LEDs is truly amazing.  I say go for the record and get another set.  For $5.00 you can always use the LEDs on other projects.
One question,  what should we do with all of the leftover camera capacitors?  Do you think they would be good for experimenting with the Young Effect? 

BTW have you tried asking for free recycled cameras.   They do not seem to mind giving you a few if you ask at the photo shops that I have stopped by.   

Bill

I may have to try 400, I can't help it.  As far as the caps go, I just saved them with all of my other salvaged electronic parts.  To work on the Young Effect, I would use 2 caps that matched exactly, (not that any 2 do exactly, but close as possible) the caps on these boards, at least the ones I have seen, have no markings except which lead is ground.  they are probably close to the same values and maybe are the same, but, i would rather know for sure when experimenting or otherwise you have added another variable to the mix. (another unknown)  This is usually not good.  Plus, having been zapped by these, I would use something smaller to play around with just in case.

No, I have not asked for any cameras as of yet, but I plan on it.  Do they let you sort through a barrel of them? (so you can at least pick out a Fuji) or do you just ask for Fuji and they look for some?  Or, do you get some Fuji and some Kodak?  We have many photo places in our town and I'll bet, not too many folks are asking for cameras here so, possibly I can hit the mother load by going to maybe 10 locations.  This is a great idea and I will do it.

If I can get a good number of FREE AA Fuji boards (more than I need) Maybe I can ship some to others that can't get this type in their area?  I believe Jesus said he was having trouble finding this board?  We will see how it goes.

@ Cap-Z-ro:

You know, that could easily be true.  A large toroid winding, some mysterious black tape hiding a "power unit".  you are right, maybe just a large JT circuit which would run most electrical devices. (small ones)  Good thinking.

@ Jesus:

Thanks for the suggestion on the circuit modification.  I will try this on the AAA board.

Bill

[Pirate88179]

@ Timmy:

Nice photos!!  I would suggest reading up on the rest of the topic as all of this is discussed in some detail, and you can also see why most, if not all, of us are favoring the Fuji AA board for our experiments.  I am sure something can be done with the Kodak and I believe Jesus has done that and posted about it.  There are a lot of photos and diagrams in this topic that you should see.  You will also see how we got to where we are now, and what can be done with these circuits.

A short recap:

Modified Fuji AA board lighting 6 inch florescent tube, then 18 inch tube, then 48 inch tube and then two 48 inch tubes.  then, I lit 100 leds, then 200 leds, and last night I lit 300 leds, All of the above with an AA battery.  (The same battery as it turns out)  Others have done some incredible things as well so, I believe it is well worth the time reading to get caught up.

The camera boards are working on the same principle as the original JT circuits.  We are also still working with the ones like you built.

Bill