How to recapture spark energy ?

[penno64]

@all,

I am looking for advice on how to recapture spark energy.

The reason for this is, I have a small circuit that feeds a flyback and I have found that
once the spark is initiated, I can remove one of the leads to the primary and
the flyback continues to spark the gap on a much lower power.

What I would like to attempt is, to gather the energy from the spark and feed this back to the
source. I notice that using a 3400uF cap after my 6v battery, after disconnecting the battery,
the spark continues briefly.

I am hoping this as well as the low (10 - 20mA) reading on my analog ampmeter, are indicators
that may allow this to self sustain.

I know I could be barking up the wrong tree, but I would like to try.

Any advice or circuit will be greatly appreciated.

Kindest Regards, Penno

[DreamThinkBuild]

Hi Penno,

The circuit in patent (6407483) might be a possibility of capturing the spark.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6407483.html

Another interesting circuit is this 0.5v to 6v converter.

http://www.discovercircuits.com/H-Corner/05-6-con.htm

I've been trying to track down a source for the 74AUC1G14 inverter or equivalent that can run with that low of +VS.

[penno64]

@DTB,

Thanks for that, I'll wind a small Centre tap coil and give it a go.

Regards, Penno