Joule Thief

[Pirate88179]

@ Bill
Hi, Is that cap value correct! that's some beast of a cap, and capable of suppleing some power no doubt. Have you a supplier over their I'm in the UK. Been having a look over all your work and video's... nice work and valued contribution. Merv

Merv:

Thank you for your kind words.  This is the best supplier I know of for these large caps:

http://www.sunpowerwindpower.com/documents/49.html

The supercaps are about 1/3 down the page.  I was just at that site and see that Gadget (Al) is getting in some 1275 Farad caps!  Wow, that is huge!  Also, yes that is correct 650 Farad for the one I have.  As Al says, these things can be quite dangerous so some care is needed when working with them.  The 650's look like they are still on sale.

Thanks again,

Bill

[crowclaw]

Hi guys today I turned more turns to the primary double JT toroid coil and acquired more voltage.
So is it better to turn more than 20turns as said to a toroid JT?
Can I use a transformer instead of losing time winding the toroid?
Any help please?
Thanks

@ guruji

You can use transformers, but I suggest using high frequency types similar to those used for TV line scanning circuits etc. these use ferrite formers as opposed to metal laminated stampings as used for mains use which are suitable for low frequency use only. You can achieve a high output voltage from their secondaries but due to their lower frequency working require more drive power too. Keep it going good work.  Merv

[crowclaw]

Merv:

Thank you for your kind words.  This is the best supplier I know of for these large caps:

http://www.sunpowerwindpower.com/documents/49.html

The supercaps are about 1/3 down the page.  I was just at that site and see that Gadget (Al) is getting in some 1275 Farad caps!  Wow, that is huge!  Also, yes that is correct 650 Farad for the one I have.  As Al says, these things can be quite dangerous so some care is needed when working with them.  The 650's look like they are still on sale.

Thanks again,

Bill

Nice one Bill, thanks for your help.

[kooler]

maybe soon i will be able to power a small tesla coil with it..hahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrFhNuCl2BA

small improvement to the last video

[sparks]

  A fun thing to do with hvoltage is to change the center electrode to a ball shape.  The hvoltage ionizes a larger field and if done right current is not drawn every cycle but accumulates the energy in the plasma field.  Soon a continuos coronal glow begins to build.  Anybody wishing to take a shortcut can get hold of an old tv set or monitor and build an iron 5 turn  primary winding of 5 turns 1" diameter turns and stick both ends through a piece of plastic.  Take the high voltage lead that goes from the picture tube to the flyback and attach it to the center of the coil.  When turned on two little jets of light will be emitted from the ends of the coil below the plastic that angle towards each other along with a noise like when you suck in air through your teeth.  Place a piece of aluminum foil a couple of feet below the suspended coil and plastic and attach one end of the aluminum plate to a 100watt bulb and the other to ground.  Turn on the set and see if it lights the bulb.  Move the aluminum closer WITH THE SET OFF OF COURSE.  Turn on the set until the bulb lights fully.  Add bulbs results are interesting.