Lynx Joule Inverter

[Lynxsteam]

Hmmm, no idea.  If the bulbs are this hard to find then this is a bad idea. 

If you hook the bulb up to straight twelve volt, does it flash or blink at about 1x second or so.  That's what mine do on straight 12 vdc.  Once you hook up through a transformer the light is nice and you can dim with a pot.  What is the code on the bulb's base?

[Lynxsteam]

I did some more testing.  Rather than see how low I could go with amps, I was looking at how bright I could go.

At 12 volt the bulb runs at .6 watts
24 volts the  bulb runs at 2.8 watts and as bright as mains power
30 volts at 4.2 watts (over bulb rating)

Different transformers will run at different rates.  This was using my best transformer which is another subject.  It is a snap on choke wound with 200 turns 30 awg and 20 turns 26 awg.  Hz varies from 160 - 800
Placing one or two magnets anywhere around the transformer causes amp draw to go up with no apparent brightness increase.  Hz goes down with magnets on the transformer.  You can hear the frequency decrease as you draw a magnet near the transformer core.

[Lynxsteam]

Here is an example of a LED bulb at Home Depot for $14.97.  This one will work nicely.  It is non-dimmable.  I am using this one.  I am also attaching another schematic of how to wire it up.  Its the same as I have posted but maybe explains it another way.  I think the significance is the low amp draw you can obtain using this method.  No ringing, multiple bulbs, easy start, no heat.  Can exceed rated brightness or be turned down to a candle light.  You can run this off a capacitor, direct dc from solar, or battery.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=203670037&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_sku=203670037&ci_kw={keyword}&kwd={keyword}&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-203670037&ci_gpa=pla#.UMIAdLaRPL4

[Lynxsteam]

Here's another thing I want to share.  With the larger transformers (450 ma and up) you can run the LEDs from the yellow leads only.  Use a variable resistor to adjust amount of light.  Rectify the other transformer outputs to higher voltage DC (these are the heavier black leads).  I ran my 35v 4700uf capacitor right up to 35 volts.  Its not going to self run, but you might find the voltage boost useful for charging 1.5-12 volt batteries or you can run some other circuit needing AC or DC.  This set of windings is completely separate from the running circuit.
This is the funnest, simplest and most useful circuit I have played with since the Aircore Joule Ringer.

[b_rads]

   Woo Hoo ~ Funny how things work when you get the right parts.  Picked up the last 2 bulbs from my local Walmart today (GE bulb Lynxsteam posted above) and it works like a charm.  Only tried one of the circuits posted and fired right off.  Uses about 13 to 14 ma on the transformer I started with.  Will conduct measurements with other transformers I have on hand and the various circuits to try and get the best light at least current possible.

Also, on a whim, I picked up a 2 pack of LED Super Bright Night Light replacement bulbs by Meridian and they work as well.  Rated at 0.6w and draw 150 micro amps with the same setup listed above.  This bulb works in parallel with the GE bulb or alone.  The bulb is not bright at that current, but it does light up.

Going to have some fun playing with this ~ thanks again Lynxsteam.

Brad S