@HVdischarge Okay, I'll try that. My voltage monitor is based on 3x LM339 and a lot of resistors for the voltage references instead of your LM3914 circuit.
@3asiancubers: :-). I was going to try something similar if i ever built another one (which i probably will never get around to now).i was going to use a Quad Op Amp. And calibrate the 1st Led to 25% charge, second to 50% etc... Would be alot cheaper and easier than building the lm3914 circuit, which would leave a few more pennies for caps or SCR.
@HVdischarge That sounds like a great idea, and as for that secondary coil, I could get an arc to stretch up to 1cm, so I believe there is plenty of current.
@Seuneglacise: oh the coil... what i done with that was made a few layers (windings) and added a few tapping points so i could alter the number of turns (& inductance) by simply choosing different tappings :-).
do you know any other fast ways to charge the caps.. my problem is my bank will hold 238 joules and i dont have a fly back transformer yes i took apart about 70 disposible cameras and running half my bank and only charging it to 200v takes about 10 min ... but is vary effichant runing on a phone charger and 3 charging cips in searys
@MrStemkilla: A ZVS driver and Flyback transformer is the best way to go in my opinion. I Have actually made an Air core transformer using the ZVS driver but i would still rather go down the flyback route!
@laserindie Trial and error with various length coils and projectiles. Once i choose a length for the coil, i built the coil with several tappings, so i could alter the number of turns and inductance by simply switching over to a different tapping, Once the "optimal" tapping was found it was permanently soldered :-).
I think there are calculators out there that take away the fun of trial and error!
@MrStemkilla: If you read the video description there is a link to the LM3914 regulator schematic on my FB profile. This will automatically stop charging your caps when the set voltage has been reached. I used an SCR to fire my coilgun (50RIA120)- also in the description :-) Hope this helps.
@Solarenemy1: yeah i know :-/. solid state would be nice and quiet (and save a good few mA from the relay coil). But i do like to hear the over-voltage protection working, i know i'm safe then... (ish) lol.
@LucifersDisciple6: hello, if you send an email to my email address ( hvdischarge@gmail.com ) requesting the LM3914 regulator circuit, i can send it to you via email attachment :-)
do i need a switch or anything to charge the capacitors? I've got about 21 caps and I need to know how to charge them using an aa battery. Also, where would I connect a multimeter to the gun?
@HVdischarge They're all from disposable cameras, so all 330v and between 80 and 120 uF. I left one cap on the camera board so i could use the charger
@charlieDetroit: For a 330V, 2100uF cap bank, i Think you want something a little better than an AA battery and that tiny charger. You wont get many charges at all out of an AA battery and it will take ages to charge (if it makes it at all). i would recommend the ZVS flyback driver and either a 12V or 24V DC power supply. Or you could build my LM3914 Voltage regulator circuit that would do the job perfectly and you won't have to manually watch for over charge on the caps as its automatic :-).
@LucifersDisciple6: That setup would store approx 59.5 Joules. my coilgun stored approx 87.1 (for comparison). I would recommend a higher voltage capacitor though... as long as you feel safe working with it.
@HVdischarge well based on what his can hold min will hold 238 joules when ime done but currently only holds 148.75 joules... its made of about 50 caps rite now and will be about 70 ish when im done... im having trouble with my test wires dispiriting while only charging the 50 to 200v... mostly because that takes about 10 min and pisses me off.. did you know you can ingrave copper into just about everything? well my relay needs work... whats the best way to make it stop welding closed?
@Xonipher . if one end of the transformer was earthed, then there would be a big electrical potential between the wire i was holding and earth. meaning i would have got one hell of a shock :-).
Watch my video 'how to make a 400v charger circuit ' to learn how to make a circuit from scratch capable of charging multiple photo flash capacitors, it requires four components and a 1.5v input voltage
@HVdischarge hey hv long time no talk im starting work on my coilgun pistol and maybe i could put your desgin in it (if u want) plase send me a e-mail man thankx!!! srw8000gun@hotmail.com ;)
can you please explain step by step how to make this n program the ICs, i am very interested in buying 1 of those if possible from you as i need it urgently. I dont need it neat n stuff into a gun i jus wud like the circuit n capacitors n everything setup so it works id like to add some additional things.
hello, Sorry, we are currently moving house (or trying to) and all my original paperwork and lots other things like 1W lasers have gone missing :-(. ive been hunting high and low for weeks now but cant find anything. all i have is the diagram of the charge regulator, which is in the video anyway (can see it clearer in the higher quality video).
great video dude... just one question.. on the rewound tranformer, how to you wind the side with the 5+5 turns? is it just ten turns with a wire attatched to the middle? or is it two coils of 5? thanks
@MKServers . hello, We are currently in the process of moving house :-/. all my notes, schematics and almost all my components are in storage.
basically. if you build a ZVS driver (use a handwound flyback transformer).
build a 10 or 20 segment voltmeter using either LM3914 or LM3915.
on the 8th or 18th LED use the output to also drive a transistor and use that to switch a relay which turns the ZVS off once the LED is lit (NC contact of relay should be used).
@MKServers . take the output from the flyback transformer, slap a rectifier on in rated ATLEAST1KV. use that to charge your caps. connect the - (0v) on the high voltage cap bank to the 0V of the battery you are using to drive your low voltage side.
build a potential divider between the cap bank + and - (will take a little experimenting to get right) using 2 HIGH value resistors, The divided voltage will go to the SIGNAL pin of the LM3914.
i tnk i used 20X 330v, 80uF caps. for a total of 1600uF @ 330v.
£7 for one of those caps!!! ouch!
i have been unlucky enough to touch the output from a 2100v MOT. That is a really unpleasant experience. i have also had a few bolts from my marx generator.
but a capacitor is capable of delivering several kA+. and with 900V behind it, you have the pressure to push it aswell!
Ok, the charging circuit can be as simple or as complex as you would like. a simple ZVS driver and a multi-meter (which means manually regulating the charging), a simple OP-AMP circuit or a full blown 20 LED monitor and regulator... choice is yours :-P.
the coil was wound on a perspex tube. i built the coil with a few tappings so i could alter the number of turns without rebuilding the coil everytime. (the more values you can change, the better).
didnt you use 20 330 a20uf caps in your vid and here in denmark everything is expensive so i give 59dkk for one cap which is about 7 pounds and i have personally survived a 660v shock
@ANODEIFY: in all honesty i dont think you are going to get alot from a 900V, 40uF bank. also, 900V is pretty damn dangerous. are you sure you want that high a voltage?
@HVdischarge its the charging circut i get the from cameras but the burn out too fast so i wanna make my own but without the leds because i cant get the lm chips
I'm looking at my ASUS motherboard now, i dont think those capacitors will do anything at all to be honest. capacitors from disposable flash camera's are the best way forward if you can get them for free.
Hey I would like to know how did you get the 20 disposible camera I've tried asking walgreen and CVS if i can take the disposible cameras that have been used off their hands but they denied it
@tech33012 Hello, i used to get them from a little private owned shop near where i live. unfortunatly they closed down. i can no longer get hold of them as no one else will let me have them, due to various health and safety and disposal laws :-/... i think they also get a small amount of money for each camera they send back... not entirly sure. :-(
@HVdischarge hmm interesting. I was Planing on getting a few of the cameras to get the capacitor and try to arrange them in a cylindrical pattern so it can look like and clean. I've got some caps that are just 300V at around 150uf. But i wanted to get it just from one source so the voltages and uf can be constant.
I have been trying to figure out for literally months how to charge a capacitor beyond the stupid batteries voltage, and its been very annoying. how do you upscale voltage from say a 9v battery to the voltages you were getting by using a transformer??? I have Googled how to upscale DC voltage and received no help
@mrprofile101 You could try a voltage boost circuit? Although the gain isn't too much to speak of.. The best way to get consistent HV is by using a transformer tbh, but caps shouldn't need HV.. I mean.. Most disposable camera caps needs 1.5V to charge, with an output of ~300V. I'm not an expert in electronics, but I'm sure HV will fry your board and explode the caps :/
I am currently working on the schematic which i will post somewhere... not sure where to put it. anyone know any free image hosting sites or something?
lol.. i never knew youtube doesnt let you post links. it wont let me post the link. go on google, type in ZVS driver, then look for the Mazzilli ZVS driver.
@Surfister They are most probably using the circuit which is already in the disposable flash camera's. if you just want that charging circuit then take apart a disp flash camera and take the whole circuit board out. (you can remove the flash tube if you don't want it). just throw your AA in, press the small button on the board and that's it. Be careful with it though!!
Yes, are you a complete begginer? Do you have any components laying arounds already?
what size capacitor bank do you want to charge and what is the maximum time you would like them to charge in? also, what power supply do you have for the charging circuit? a 12V sealed lead acid would be a good start.
@HVdischarge I don't have much components, but i have an electronics store next door! I'm not a complete begginer, but i don't know too much...
I'm thinking of charging only one capacitor, 150 uF 350V. I think 15-20 secs would be a great time. And i will take your suggestion about that power supply!
@Surfister: That's handy, closest one to me is 20miles :-) lol.
If thats all you want to charge and in that amount of time, dont bother building a charger. just take apart a disposable flash camera, solder a single AA battery holder on and job done :-).
i wouldn't bother taking the time to build and test a charger etc... when a flash charger will do exactly what you want!
If you need more help, contact me on private message, i dont think there is a character limit then.
this thing is (was) awesome! the lightbulb is a great way to find out about the driver's wattage. my old driver only had something around 8 watts, pretty weak and slow. i've been looking for a faster charging method for 3 months now and finally found it in your video, thanks! the zvs flyback driver seems to work extremely well! i'm gonna try this too. what kind of mosfets did you use in the driver? thanks for this helpful video! greets from germany
OK so I'm trying to build a voltmeter into my coil gun and don't want to spend a lot on a multimeter because i don't need all that. I want a simple one that reads 3 digits and will only be used for this. Is making one better or should i just buy a cheap one and install it? It also needs to be light. I'm really stuck here. thanks.
OK so im trying to build a voltmeter into my coil gun and don't want to spend a lot on a multimeter because i don't need all that. I want a simple one that reads 3 digits and will only be used for this. Is making one better or should i just buy a cheap one and install it? It also needs to be light. I'm really stuck here. thanks.
@TechByRyan Sorry i never replied, i noticed thise message as it got flagged as spam.
for 3 digits? i would say, go for a Quad op-amp and have 4 digits. 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% charge. that is what i plan to do on my next coil gun.it will be alot lighter and far simpler than the current circuit i am using.
personally i would build one yourself, that way you can configure the circuit to cut-off the charging current to the caps once the desired voltage has been reached.
@HVdischarge thanks so much im putting the charging circuit and the caps togetter now. what do you think about the coil? how long should it be and how thick also? thnks
@TechByRyan what size capacitor bank are you going for?
i found that having the projectile just slightly shorter than the coil worked for me. but i experimented with a few different coil and projectile sizes to see which worked best.
the CSA of the wire used for the coil should be relativly big to reduce Resistive losses, which, after a few shots will make the coil warm.
dude, this video sparked a lot of ideas for me, ikd how but one of the ideas is using my broken airsoft gun as a casing for a good coilgun. That light bulb thing was helpful too.
I'm Glad you found this video helpful. The ZVS driver is Brilliant. it works for just about anything! got bored a few minutes ago so i hooked up a coil of copper to the ZVS driver instead of the flyback... Instant induction heater :-P.
Nice! I like the ZVS charging circuit, but i prefer an underpowered MOT, with 24v AC in, 350v out, rectified, and put into the cap bank. The rectifier is good because it can charge it without the charge leading back into the transformer secondary. Also, how in the hell did you get all those cameras? Lol i also have another question, how many times did you get shocked g them apart lol?
Nice! I like the ZVS charging circuit, but i prefer an underpowered MOT, with 24v AC in, 350v out, rectified, and put into the cap bank. The rectifier is good because it can charge it without the charge leading back into the transformer secondary. Also, how in the hell did you get all those cameras? Lol i also have another question, how many times did you get shocked g them apart lol?
I do not get why you can just wrap unisolated copper around the tube.
When I did that in my Physics class, the current wouldn't run though the wire "in circles" but would take the shorter way since the copper is all in contact. (Hope you know what i mean).
Can anyone xplain pls, coz i'm problably gonna build this thing in school with a teacher & some friends
@barrettski189 if i was to wrap un-insulated (bare) copper wire around the tube then like you said, the current will not go through the turns/loops. so i would be creating a dead short across the capacitors. the result of this would probably be nothing more than a broken SCR costing around £30 each.
the point of the turns is to create a very intense magnetic field within the windings which attracts the projectile.
The wire is quiet deceiving. it is enamelled copper wire but fr this particular wire the enamell is almost the same colour as copper. i prefer the red enamell personally.
NICE!!!!!!!! GREAT JOB MAN!!!!!!!!!!! That is how they should look. People need to take time to test and do it right. I had a cap blow on me at 3 in the morning. LOL!
@abfig78 Thank You, nice to see someone likes my work :-P.
would have been nice if i could have made it a little less bulky, if i build another, i would be able to make it a bit smaller using different batteries and a simplified charge controller.
if one cap breaks down in a bank like this, the result can be very frightening! lol.
i don't think i would be all that good at an instructional video and if im entirely honest i don't wan't people with absolutly no experience with high voltage and stored energy to start playing around with this stuff. i know everyone has to start somewhere, but this i wouldn't recommend! :-D. i learnt the hard way, by putting my thumb across a fully charged flash capacitor @ 330V. slightly painful to say the least!
@HVdischarge: So, I'm confused. I understand that you used flybacks, which I assume (possibly wrongly) are ferrous cores wrapped with wires, i.e. just transformers.
So, how did you alternate your battery to AC? Did you build a rectifier diode or something?
Or does this come all-included with the transformer?
i have uploaded the schematic for the control board. i think people are after the entire schematic so they can replicate it. i have had hundreds of private messages regarding the schematic.
if i get around to it, i might draw out the entire plan. all though it will take some time.
Also, if the voltage was higher then the rating on the capacitors, how did you go about detecting if the voltage is above 330v across the capacitor bank? and cutting off the supply?
@devosbi if you look on the schematic you should be able to see a connection that says cap bank + or 400V.cant remember what i labeled it as. but basically it goes through a 560K resistor, followed by a 50K preset potentiometer and then through a 15K resistor to 0v.
@devosbi. this forms a potential divider for the signal input on the lm3914, by turning the preset you can change the sensetivity of the voltmeter.
when the 16th or 17th output is on (the first red led) a small base current is sent to a transistor which drives a relay to turn the ZVS off. :-D simple but effective
Hello, i am not sure as i couldn't measure the output voltage as it would cook my test meter. i could have built a Potential divider but then it wouldnt be all that accurate. im guessing between 600-1.5kv as it arcs slightly.
Ahh. i used a ZVS driver which i believe stands for Zero-Volt-Switching.
This is a pretty powerful and very effective And effiecent driver!
can pump 150W into the ZVS with very little heat waste! the 555 is an ok driver to start with, provided you use descent mosfets and not some cheap old transistors (which is where i went wrong when i first started). :-P.
hey im making my own coil gun and funnily enough i have 21 caps from cameras i was wondering if you send me a more detailed picture of the capasitor discharge cercuit since im not shure how to make on myself yet.
the charge circuit or the discharge circuit? (or both).
unfortunatly my computer monitor is in the repair shop at the moment, has been for 3 months (don't buy anything from curry's). which leaves me stuck with my laptop which doesn't have any of my schematics, pictures or anything on it :-/. would you like the charge cirrcuit or discharge circuit? i might be able to find the original design :-P.
Anything i can help you with? there are plenty of people out there that might be able to help :-P. just post the question and hope someone answers :-D lol
Maybe, i have 2 400V / 3000uF caps lol. i think they would make my SCR spontanously combust!!
i get all those small capacitors for free though :-D. im only an apprentice so i cant offord much... do you have any idea how much one of those SCR's cost!!!!! (even though i have 5 of em) :-)
Nice! i was incredibly lucky when i found my SCR's i think i got 6 for about £25 inc postage. they are rated at 50A @ 1200V.
a while ago i was looking at getting a hockey puck SCR with a rating of something stupid like 80,000A! obviously i couldn't offord it and i dont have any caps big enough to warrant such an item. im trying to stay away from capacitors now. putting your thumb across a 330V 100uF cap fully charged REALLY HURTS!
Yep...can kill you. I hate to test coilguns for the first time. Cause if its not working, the caps are charged...even if you short em (posted by AnselmoFanZero) accidently deleted
Yep, 2 holes in my thumb! i even heard the bang as i touched it! i would rather a 230V mains shock anyday! (had loads :-/).
i got a few shocks when i was playing around with tesla coils almost a year ago, i had a pot of HV capacitors about 2 feet from the tesla coil... i put my hand in there and got loads of shocks lol. felt like static (with a bit more kick)
why do you use a high voltage ZVS driver exactly?
MrConnorJP 2 months ago
@MrConnorJP: Because its about the cheapest, easiest to build, most robust, and easily adapted circuit ever! :-D
HVdischarge 2 months ago
Nice indicator.
aerodynamikkling 2 months ago
Nice video and funny ending with the R.I.P. For the project.
8holeva5 2 months ago
How many turns should I put on the secondary if I want to get the same voltage you did, but with a 20 volt input and a 8+8 primary with a ZVS?
3asiancubers 4 months ago
@3asiancubers: Hi, It's bit of a long shot but i think it should be around 288 turns. practically 300 turns.
Might also depend on how your ZVS is setup aswell.
HVdischarge 4 months ago
@HVdischarge Okay, I'll try that. My voltage monitor is based on 3x LM339 and a lot of resistors for the voltage references instead of your LM3914 circuit.
3asiancubers 4 months ago
@3asiancubers: :-). I was going to try something similar if i ever built another one (which i probably will never get around to now).i was going to use a Quad Op Amp. And calibrate the 1st Led to 25% charge, second to 50% etc... Would be alot cheaper and easier than building the lm3914 circuit, which would leave a few more pennies for caps or SCR.
HVdischarge 4 months ago
@HVdischarge That sounds like a great idea, and as for that secondary coil, I could get an arc to stretch up to 1cm, so I believe there is plenty of current.
3asiancubers 4 months ago
@HVdischarge How do you calculate it ?
Seuneglacise 4 months ago
@Seuneglacise: you mean the output current of the transformer?
HVdischarge 4 months ago
Oh I thought you made calculation about the number of turns of the coil that shoots.
Seuneglacise 4 months ago
@Seuneglacise: oh the coil... what i done with that was made a few layers (windings) and added a few tapping points so i could alter the number of turns (& inductance) by simply choosing different tappings :-).
HVdischarge 4 months ago
do you know any other fast ways to charge the caps.. my problem is my bank will hold 238 joules and i dont have a fly back transformer yes i took apart about 70 disposible cameras and running half my bank and only charging it to 200v takes about 10 min ... but is vary effichant runing on a phone charger and 3 charging cips in searys
MrStemkilla 7 months ago
@MrStemkilla: A ZVS driver and Flyback transformer is the best way to go in my opinion. I Have actually made an Air core transformer using the ZVS driver but i would still rather go down the flyback route!
HVdischarge 6 months ago
How did you decide on the dimensions of the coil?
laserindie 7 months ago
@laserindie Trial and error with various length coils and projectiles. Once i choose a length for the coil, i built the coil with several tappings, so i could alter the number of turns and inductance by simply switching over to a different tapping, Once the "optimal" tapping was found it was permanently soldered :-).
I think there are calculators out there that take away the fun of trial and error!
HVdischarge 7 months ago
@HVdischarge can you tell me how to make it stop charging at 330v and how you did you switch to fire it and discharge the caps
MrStemkilla 7 months ago
@MrStemkilla: If you read the video description there is a link to the LM3914 regulator schematic on my FB profile. This will automatically stop charging your caps when the set voltage has been reached. I used an SCR to fire my coilgun (50RIA120)- also in the description :-) Hope this helps.
HVdischarge 6 months ago
You really need to go solid state instead of the relay. Get rid of the clicking from the charge top off.
Solarenemy1 8 months ago
@Solarenemy1: yeah i know :-/. solid state would be nice and quiet (and save a good few mA from the relay coil). But i do like to hear the over-voltage protection working, i know i'm safe then... (ish) lol.
HVdischarge 8 months ago
@HVdischarge I do not have facebook, could you upload the image to megaupload or something then message me please
LucifersDisciple6 8 months ago
@LucifersDisciple6: hello, if you send an email to my email address ( hvdischarge@gmail.com ) requesting the LM3914 regulator circuit, i can send it to you via email attachment :-)
HVdischarge 8 months ago
do i need a switch or anything to charge the capacitors? I've got about 21 caps and I need to know how to charge them using an aa battery. Also, where would I connect a multimeter to the gun?
charlieDetroit 9 months ago
@charlieDetroit: 21 Caps from an AA battery? what size are the caps? are you using a camera cap charger?
HVdischarge 9 months ago
@HVdischarge They're all from disposable cameras, so all 330v and between 80 and 120 uF. I left one cap on the camera board so i could use the charger
charlieDetroit 9 months ago
@charlieDetroit: For a 330V, 2100uF cap bank, i Think you want something a little better than an AA battery and that tiny charger. You wont get many charges at all out of an AA battery and it will take ages to charge (if it makes it at all). i would recommend the ZVS flyback driver and either a 12V or 24V DC power supply. Or you could build my LM3914 Voltage regulator circuit that would do the job perfectly and you won't have to manually watch for over charge on the caps as its automatic :-).
HVdischarge 9 months ago
@HVdischarge would 30 1000uF 63V caps be fine ?
LucifersDisciple6 8 months ago
@LucifersDisciple6: That setup would store approx 59.5 Joules. my coilgun stored approx 87.1 (for comparison). I would recommend a higher voltage capacitor though... as long as you feel safe working with it.
HVdischarge 8 months ago
@HVdischarge well based on what his can hold min will hold 238 joules when ime done but currently only holds 148.75 joules... its made of about 50 caps rite now and will be about 70 ish when im done... im having trouble with my test wires dispiriting while only charging the 50 to 200v... mostly because that takes about 10 min and pisses me off.. did you know you can ingrave copper into just about everything? well my relay needs work... whats the best way to make it stop welding closed?
MrStemkilla 7 months ago
What would happen if it were earthed?
Xonipher 9 months ago
@Xonipher . if one end of the transformer was earthed, then there would be a big electrical potential between the wire i was holding and earth. meaning i would have got one hell of a shock :-).
HVdischarge 9 months ago
Watch my video 'how to make a 400v charger circuit ' to learn how to make a circuit from scratch capable of charging multiple photo flash capacitors, it requires four components and a 1.5v input voltage
ConnorXV 10 months ago
can you safely discharge the capacitors by using resistors?
TurkishGamer92 10 months ago
@TurkishGamer92 Yes, using resistors (appropriately rated) is the safest way to discharge capacitors... in my opinion anyway :-)
HVdischarge 9 months ago
@HVdischarge thank you very much :)
TurkishGamer92 9 months ago
"Awww" wasn't quiet the word i used as i watched it fall! lol.
Shame as i never even got any clips of good shots.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
At first i was like "oh wow, thats cool" and then at the end "awww :("
pieznice29 1 year ago
Please upload the schematics of this coil gun on Instructibles. com
Catvore 1 year ago
@Catvore Its a good idea to read other comments first, he said he lost the circuits and the video is the only copy of the circuit that is left.
MrGerbilBrain 11 months ago
HELLO EVERYBODY. I have finally drawn up the schematic for the charge regulator.
Anyone who wants a copy please email me at: hvdischarge@hotmail.co.uk.
I've checked it several times and it appears to be in order although there might be the odd spelling mistake here and there.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@HVdischarge hey hv long time no talk im starting work on my coilgun pistol and maybe i could put your desgin in it (if u want) plase send me a e-mail man thankx!!! srw8000gun@hotmail.com ;)
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
@HVdischarge hey great vid but how did you wire the capacitors series/parrallel and what does the flyback do much appreciated
BCQD4 10 months ago
can you please explain step by step how to make this n program the ICs, i am very interested in buying 1 of those if possible from you as i need it urgently. I dont need it neat n stuff into a gun i jus wud like the circuit n capacitors n everything setup so it works id like to add some additional things.
Kbomba3 1 year ago
could you put the plans of the fly back driver, on hear or could you email them to me threw you tube, or just ask me for my real one. Thanks
5445252 1 year ago
@5445252. uzzors2k.4hv.org/projectfiles/flybacktransformerdrivers/Mazzilli%20ZVS%20Flyback%20Driver.png
HVdischarge 1 year ago
could you put complete plans somwhere?
thatoneguy99100 1 year ago
hello, Sorry, we are currently moving house (or trying to) and all my original paperwork and lots other things like 1W lasers have gone missing :-(. ive been hunting high and low for weeks now but cant find anything. all i have is the diagram of the charge regulator, which is in the video anyway (can see it clearer in the higher quality video).
HVdischarge 1 year ago
great video dude... just one question.. on the rewound tranformer, how to you wind the side with the 5+5 turns? is it just ten turns with a wire attatched to the middle? or is it two coils of 5? thanks
machinefan123 1 year ago
@machinefan123: Thanks :-D.
depends on what way you look at it. its basically 2 coils of 5 turns... but then you could say its ten turns with a centre-tap :-P.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
pssh, i use a flux capacitor with mine
ripAnew01 1 year ago
@ripAnew01 1.21 Gigawatts!!!! lol
HVdischarge 1 year ago
how many capacitors did you use
seththeslayer1 1 year ago
@seththeslayer1: i used 20X 80uF caps in parrallel, rated at 330V each :-P.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
ok that made a little bit of sense thank you
MKServers 1 year ago
if you could and would you send my a better version of the schematic and all the connecting/parts needed thanks
MKServers 1 year ago
@MKServers . hello, We are currently in the process of moving house :-/. all my notes, schematics and almost all my components are in storage.
basically. if you build a ZVS driver (use a handwound flyback transformer).
build a 10 or 20 segment voltmeter using either LM3914 or LM3915.
on the 8th or 18th LED use the output to also drive a transistor and use that to switch a relay which turns the ZVS off once the LED is lit (NC contact of relay should be used).
Thats it for control circuit.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@MKServers . take the output from the flyback transformer, slap a rectifier on in rated ATLEAST1KV. use that to charge your caps. connect the - (0v) on the high voltage cap bank to the 0V of the battery you are using to drive your low voltage side.
build a potential divider between the cap bank + and - (will take a little experimenting to get right) using 2 HIGH value resistors, The divided voltage will go to the SIGNAL pin of the LM3914.
hard to explain without images :-/
HVdischarge 1 year ago
ok thanks
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
i tnk i used 20X 330v, 80uF caps. for a total of 1600uF @ 330v.
£7 for one of those caps!!! ouch!
i have been unlucky enough to touch the output from a 2100v MOT. That is a really unpleasant experience. i have also had a few bolts from my marx generator.
but a capacitor is capable of delivering several kA+. and with 900V behind it, you have the pressure to push it aswell!
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge wow that must have hurt so how would i go about making a charging circuit and how did you wind your coil
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY.
Ok, the charging circuit can be as simple or as complex as you would like. a simple ZVS driver and a multi-meter (which means manually regulating the charging), a simple OP-AMP circuit or a full blown 20 LED monitor and regulator... choice is yours :-P.
the coil was wound on a perspex tube. i built the coil with a few tappings so i could alter the number of turns without rebuilding the coil everytime. (the more values you can change, the better).
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge ok um zvs driver and multimeter is probably my best bet and what do you mean by taps
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY:
ok, go on google images and type in "mazilli zvs driver".
(its the first result).
Its a good working, robust driver.
get a flyback transformer, get the core out (without breaking it as they are brittle).
wind a primary, usually 6 + 6 or 5 + 5, experiment to get the best results. then start winding the secondary.
when i wound the secondary, i done 1 layer of turns, then insulation tape then another layer, etc.. etc...
There are many websites showing this configuration :-D.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
didnt you use 20 330 a20uf caps in your vid and here in denmark everything is expensive so i give 59dkk for one cap which is about 7 pounds and i have personally survived a 660v shock
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
i might buy one more cap (330v 120v) and yea its okay im pretty good with the electric stuff so i know my way around
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY OK.
how much are you paying for a 330V, 120uF cap... out of curiosity :-P.
I always tried to avoid using more than 400V for cap banks of this size... even though 400V will still easily deliver a fatal blow :-/.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
so do i need to buy more caps?
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY: in all honesty i dont think you are going to get alot from a 900V, 40uF bank. also, 900V is pretty damn dangerous. are you sure you want that high a voltage?
HVdischarge 1 year ago
yes exactaly
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
well i have three caps from cameras adding up to 990 v and and 360uf and a bunch of other with a 2200uf rating but only 16v each
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY ok, forget about the 16v caps altogether. (sorry).
as for the camera flash caps. you say 360uF @ 990V altogether. i assume you have 3X 120uF, 330V caps in series. which would give you 40uF @ 990V.
Is that correct? (just trying to figure out exactly what you have here) :-D.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
dude i need help with mine i would be forever grateful if you could webcam chat me some time because im just lost at the moment thanks a ton nice vid
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY Hello,
I do have a webcam, unfortunatly it has no mic :-/.
What seems to be the problem with it?
Thanks
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge its the charging circut i get the from cameras but the burn out too fast so i wanna make my own but without the leds because i cant get the lm chips
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY but if you can tell me how to build the charging circut and a parts list i would be happy and nice vids subscribed :D
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY.
Ok, How many volts and how many microfarads is your bank in total?
What voltage do you plan on using to power your charging circuit with? 12V-24Vdc?
Is charging time an issue? would you mind waiting a while for it to charge?
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge time isnt an issue i was going to use about 9v but i guess 12 is achievable my bank is 6960 uf and 1006v but is it ok if i mix caps
ANODEIFY 1 year ago
@ANODEIFY:
12V would be better :-D.
6960uF @ 1006V!! thats huge. - 3521 joules?
or was that a typo and its 100V? - 34.8 joules?
Are the caps you are mixing all around the same voltage and capacity rating?
and do you know if they can handle pulse discharges?
i used flash caps in my gun as they are "sort of" pulse rated.
a normal electrolytic cap could fail after a shot or two.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
will computer motherboard capacitors work?
MultiIPwnage 1 year ago
@MultiIPwnage hello there,
I'm looking at my ASUS motherboard now, i dont think those capacitors will do anything at all to be honest. capacitors from disposable flash camera's are the best way forward if you can get them for free.
thanks,
Hv
HVdischarge 1 year ago
amazing whta's the out put of the transformer?
wyz2285 1 year ago
I will send you a private message for that. it wont fit in 500 characters lol.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
Hey I would like to know how did you get the 20 disposible camera I've tried asking walgreen and CVS if i can take the disposible cameras that have been used off their hands but they denied it
tech33012 1 year ago
@tech33012 Hello, i used to get them from a little private owned shop near where i live. unfortunatly they closed down. i can no longer get hold of them as no one else will let me have them, due to various health and safety and disposal laws :-/... i think they also get a small amount of money for each camera they send back... not entirly sure. :-(
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge hmm interesting. I was Planing on getting a few of the cameras to get the capacitor and try to arrange them in a cylindrical pattern so it can look like and clean. I've got some caps that are just 300V at around 150uf. But i wanted to get it just from one source so the voltages and uf can be constant.
tech33012 1 year ago
I have been trying to figure out for literally months how to charge a capacitor beyond the stupid batteries voltage, and its been very annoying. how do you upscale voltage from say a 9v battery to the voltages you were getting by using a transformer??? I have Googled how to upscale DC voltage and received no help
mrprofile101 1 year ago
@mrprofile101 You could try a voltage boost circuit? Although the gain isn't too much to speak of.. The best way to get consistent HV is by using a transformer tbh, but caps shouldn't need HV.. I mean.. Most disposable camera caps needs 1.5V to charge, with an output of ~300V. I'm not an expert in electronics, but I'm sure HV will fry your board and explode the caps :/
IntoxicatedHumans 1 year ago
I like the charging LEDs wats the circuit
MrMAnPAndA666 1 year ago
Hello,
The circuit is based on the lm3914 IC.
I am currently working on the schematic which i will post somewhere... not sure where to put it. anyone know any free image hosting sites or something?
Thanks :-).
HVdischarge 1 year ago
were are the circuts?
robot797 1 year ago
nice design on the voltage meter..
would you like to share the detail of your zvs driver???
MrAgilwibowo 1 year ago
@MrAgilwibowo:
Thanks :-).
I can't really take credit for the ZVS driver, Its the Mazzilli ZVS driver:
Hope this helps :-D.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@MrAgilwibowo:
lol.. i never knew youtube doesnt let you post links. it wont let me post the link. go on google, type in ZVS driver, then look for the Mazzilli ZVS driver.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
Rip cool gun thingy.
Erika445566 1 year ago
Hey, I need advice: How many AA batteries do i need to fill a 350V 150 uF capacitor?
You're a fucking GENIUS!! Thanks
Surfister 1 year ago
if your using 1.5V AA's (with no charger circuit) then 233, if your using 1.2V AA batteries (with no charger circuit) then 291 LOL.
if you use the same circuit as me you will need either 10, 1.2V AA's or 8, 1.5V AA's.
what charging circuit are you using?
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge Thanks for your help!
I'm a complete beginner and i've seen some people charge their disp camera's capacitors using only one AA battery. How can I do it too?
Thanks again:)
Surfister 1 year ago
@Surfister They are most probably using the circuit which is already in the disposable flash camera's. if you just want that charging circuit then take apart a disp flash camera and take the whole circuit board out. (you can remove the flash tube if you don't want it). just throw your AA in, press the small button on the board and that's it. Be careful with it though!!
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge Thanks so much! But is it possible for me, as a begginer to build my own charging circuit? :)
Surfister 1 year ago
@Surfister :
Yes, are you a complete begginer? Do you have any components laying arounds already?
what size capacitor bank do you want to charge and what is the maximum time you would like them to charge in? also, what power supply do you have for the charging circuit? a 12V sealed lead acid would be a good start.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge I don't have much components, but i have an electronics store next door! I'm not a complete begginer, but i don't know too much...
I'm thinking of charging only one capacitor, 150 uF 350V. I think 15-20 secs would be a great time. And i will take your suggestion about that power supply!
Thanks so much for helping!
Surfister 1 year ago
@Surfister: That's handy, closest one to me is 20miles :-) lol.
If thats all you want to charge and in that amount of time, dont bother building a charger. just take apart a disposable flash camera, solder a single AA battery holder on and job done :-).
i wouldn't bother taking the time to build and test a charger etc... when a flash charger will do exactly what you want!
If you need more help, contact me on private message, i dont think there is a character limit then.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge Thanks so much! :)
Surfister 1 year ago
@Surfister Anytime :-P
HVdischarge 1 year ago
this thing is (was) awesome! the lightbulb is a great way to find out about the driver's wattage. my old driver only had something around 8 watts, pretty weak and slow. i've been looking for a faster charging method for 3 months now and finally found it in your video, thanks! the zvs flyback driver seems to work extremely well! i'm gonna try this too. what kind of mosfets did you use in the driver? thanks for this helpful video! greets from germany
mafiagretel 1 year ago
Thanks :-). It is possible to make the ZVS driver alot more powerful some guys on utube have thier ZVS's pushing 500W!
I used IRFP250's they don't warm AT ALL until you start pulling about 5A on the primary.
I'm glad you got something out of the video :-D lol.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
lol u should snipe someone with that
IchigoCrash 1 year ago
@IchigoCrash The range isn't quiet upto that :-/. lol. Would make an Excellent rifle if it was though. wouldn't hear a thing!
HVdischarge 1 year ago
did u realy die???
szuszi2 1 year ago
@szuszi2 The coil gun has unfortunatly passed on.
She has gone to a better place :-(. lol!
HVdischarge 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
OK so I'm trying to build a voltmeter into my coil gun and don't want to spend a lot on a multimeter because i don't need all that. I want a simple one that reads 3 digits and will only be used for this. Is making one better or should i just buy a cheap one and install it? It also needs to be light. I'm really stuck here. thanks.
TechByRyan 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
OK so im trying to build a voltmeter into my coil gun and don't want to spend a lot on a multimeter because i don't need all that. I want a simple one that reads 3 digits and will only be used for this. Is making one better or should i just buy a cheap one and install it? It also needs to be light. I'm really stuck here. thanks.
TechByRyan 1 year ago
@TechByRyan Sorry i never replied, i noticed thise message as it got flagged as spam.
for 3 digits? i would say, go for a Quad op-amp and have 4 digits. 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% charge. that is what i plan to do on my next coil gun.it will be alot lighter and far simpler than the current circuit i am using.
personally i would build one yourself, that way you can configure the circuit to cut-off the charging current to the caps once the desired voltage has been reached.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge thanks so much im putting the charging circuit and the caps togetter now. what do you think about the coil? how long should it be and how thick also? thnks
TechByRyan 1 year ago
@TechByRyan what size capacitor bank are you going for?
i found that having the projectile just slightly shorter than the coil worked for me. but i experimented with a few different coil and projectile sizes to see which worked best.
the CSA of the wire used for the coil should be relativly big to reduce Resistive losses, which, after a few shots will make the coil warm.
Good luck!
HVdischarge 1 year ago
dude, this video sparked a lot of ideas for me, ikd how but one of the ideas is using my broken airsoft gun as a casing for a good coilgun. That light bulb thing was helpful too.
hifatpeople 1 year ago
@hifatpeople.
Hello,
I'm Glad you found this video helpful. The ZVS driver is Brilliant. it works for just about anything! got bored a few minutes ago so i hooked up a coil of copper to the ZVS driver instead of the flyback... Instant induction heater :-P.
is it a big gun case?
HVdischarge 1 year ago
idk how its going to work for me but am going to build a AC 400 volt Gun but a 450 volt + 120 volt cap to give me up to 570 volts.
67tr876 1 year ago
Nice! I like the ZVS charging circuit, but i prefer an underpowered MOT, with 24v AC in, 350v out, rectified, and put into the cap bank. The rectifier is good because it can charge it without the charge leading back into the transformer secondary. Also, how in the hell did you get all those cameras? Lol i also have another question, how many times did you get shocked g them apart lol?
zker666 1 year ago
Nice! I like the ZVS charging circuit, but i prefer an underpowered MOT, with 24v AC in, 350v out, rectified, and put into the cap bank. The rectifier is good because it can charge it without the charge leading back into the transformer secondary. Also, how in the hell did you get all those cameras? Lol i also have another question, how many times did you get shocked g them apart lol?
zker666 1 year ago
ok thanks
Mosulica100 1 year ago
nice can you please give me inverter scheme
Mosulica100 1 year ago
@Mosulica100 Hello,
the inverter itself is just a ZVS flyback driver (run a google search) :-).
HVdischarge 1 year ago
I do not get why you can just wrap unisolated copper around the tube.
When I did that in my Physics class, the current wouldn't run though the wire "in circles" but would take the shorter way since the copper is all in contact. (Hope you know what i mean).
Can anyone xplain pls, coz i'm problably gonna build this thing in school with a teacher & some friends
barrettski189 1 year ago
@barrettski189 if i was to wrap un-insulated (bare) copper wire around the tube then like you said, the current will not go through the turns/loops. so i would be creating a dead short across the capacitors. the result of this would probably be nothing more than a broken SCR costing around £30 each.
the point of the turns is to create a very intense magnetic field within the windings which attracts the projectile.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge sure... but how is the wire you are using isolated? all i see is pure copper :o
greets
barrettski189 1 year ago
@barrettski189.
The wire is quiet deceiving. it is enamelled copper wire but fr this particular wire the enamell is almost the same colour as copper. i prefer the red enamell personally.
Hope this helps :-P.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
NICE!!!!!!!! GREAT JOB MAN!!!!!!!!!!! That is how they should look. People need to take time to test and do it right. I had a cap blow on me at 3 in the morning. LOL!
abfig78 1 year ago
@abfig78 Thank You, nice to see someone likes my work :-P.
would have been nice if i could have made it a little less bulky, if i build another, i would be able to make it a bit smaller using different batteries and a simplified charge controller.
if one cap breaks down in a bank like this, the result can be very frightening! lol.
Thanks for the comment :-D.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
3800 uf 330v
:D
sergiypro 1 year ago
Ouch. Worst I've done is taken a bit of 330v from the charge leads. That was not comfortable to say the least.
Where did you get the flyback transformer?
xenarian 1 year ago
Hello xenarian.
most of my flybacks i got from ebay as with almost all the components :-).
i placed a bid on a job lot of over 70 flybacks once, i got outbid by £1. they worked out at like 80p each for the winning bidder lol.
but these cost me somewhere around £5 each.
a couple i have got from old TV's and monitors. :-P.
doesnt matter if the flyback transformer doesnt work as i re-wind both the primary and secondary anyway :-).
HVdischarge 1 year ago
lol. Thank you.
i don't think i would be all that good at an instructional video and if im entirely honest i don't wan't people with absolutly no experience with high voltage and stored energy to start playing around with this stuff. i know everyone has to start somewhere, but this i wouldn't recommend! :-D. i learnt the hard way, by putting my thumb across a fully charged flash capacitor @ 330V. slightly painful to say the least!
Thanks,
Hv
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge: So, I'm confused. I understand that you used flybacks, which I assume (possibly wrongly) are ferrous cores wrapped with wires, i.e. just transformers.
So, how did you alternate your battery to AC? Did you build a rectifier diode or something?
Or does this come all-included with the transformer?
xenarian 1 year ago
@xenarian.
they are just that :-).
the ZVS driver creates an alernating current in the primary by, putting it simply, turning the power to the primary coils on and off.
once the the transformer has done its job. then i rectify it :-).
so it goes from DC-AC-DC.
Thanks,
Hv
HVdischarge 1 year ago
you should upload your schematic somewhere an put a link in the video details!
nullproperty 1 year ago
@nullproperty hello,
i have uploaded the schematic for the control board. i think people are after the entire schematic so they can replicate it. i have had hundreds of private messages regarding the schematic.
if i get around to it, i might draw out the entire plan. all though it will take some time.
Thank You,
Hv
HVdischarge 1 year ago
oh yeah. that would be awesome. it's a nice one!
nullproperty 1 year ago
maybe even an instructional video... =]
nullproperty 1 year ago
Also, if the voltage was higher then the rating on the capacitors, how did you go about detecting if the voltage is above 330v across the capacitor bank? and cutting off the supply?
devosbi 1 year ago
@devosbi if you look on the schematic you should be able to see a connection that says cap bank + or 400V.cant remember what i labeled it as. but basically it goes through a 560K resistor, followed by a 50K preset potentiometer and then through a 15K resistor to 0v.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@devosbi. this forms a potential divider for the signal input on the lm3914, by turning the preset you can change the sensetivity of the voltmeter.
when the 16th or 17th output is on (the first red led) a small base current is sent to a transistor which drives a relay to turn the ZVS off. :-D simple but effective
HVdischarge 1 year ago
What output voltage did you get from the ZVS driven flyback?
devosbi 1 year ago
Hello, i am not sure as i couldn't measure the output voltage as it would cook my test meter. i could have built a Potential divider but then it wouldnt be all that accurate. im guessing between 600-1.5kv as it arcs slightly.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
another thing for you hv flyback did you use the 555 or did you use the single power transistor driver? thanks! :D
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
Ahh. i used a ZVS driver which i believe stands for Zero-Volt-Switching.
This is a pretty powerful and very effective And effiecent driver!
can pump 150W into the ZVS with very little heat waste! the 555 is an ok driver to start with, provided you use descent mosfets and not some cheap old transistors (which is where i went wrong when i first started). :-P.
HVdischarge 1 year ago
@HVdischarge cool i was thinking of using just a transistor i think its easyer cuz im lazy! :P do u think that it could charge all the caps?
oh by the way could u give me some detalis on how to rewind the flyback core? thanks. that would be helpful. :D
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
@coilsinamotor i sent you a private message as i couldn't fit the reply here :-D
HVdischarge 1 year ago
hey im making my own coil gun and funnily enough i have 21 caps from cameras i was wondering if you send me a more detailed picture of the capasitor discharge cercuit since im not shure how to make on myself yet.
shortsmcred 2 years ago
Hello,
the charge circuit or the discharge circuit? (or both).
unfortunatly my computer monitor is in the repair shop at the moment, has been for 3 months (don't buy anything from curry's). which leaves me stuck with my laptop which doesn't have any of my schematics, pictures or anything on it :-/. would you like the charge cirrcuit or discharge circuit? i might be able to find the original design :-P.
Thank you.
HVdischarge 2 years ago
what!? thats a cap dicharge circut?
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
do u have an actual sacamatic for it?
coilsinamotor 2 years ago
@coilsinamotor You dont need a schematic. You just have to think it through
mapleguy1029384756 2 years ago
Exactly :-P. all i done was took the schematic from the lm3914 datasheet and played with it from there!
HVdischarge 2 years ago
i found that! but.. im really not sure of everything but thaks anyway! cheers
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
Anything i can help you with? there are plenty of people out there that might be able to help :-P. just post the question and hope someone answers :-D lol
HVdischarge 1 year ago
like the data sheet says that the lm chip can only go up to 30V how did you get it to work with 330V? thanks :D
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
marci
coilsinamotor 1 year ago
Nice set-up. I like the charge-display.
You should add 2 more stages!!!
AnselmoFanZero 2 years ago
Thank you :-D. the charge display is the only thing that appears to make this gun unique to all other coil guns on youtube.
i was thinking about building one with 2 stages. but then it would be even more heavy and bulky than this gun!
HVdischarge 2 years ago
Well...actually you everything might fit your actual housing! I would use different capacitors f.e. Would save some space...
The additional coil and the SCR wont need much room....
AnselmoFanZero 2 years ago
Maybe, i have 2 400V / 3000uF caps lol. i think they would make my SCR spontanously combust!!
i get all those small capacitors for free though :-D. im only an apprentice so i cant offord much... do you have any idea how much one of those SCR's cost!!!!! (even though i have 5 of em) :-)
HVdischarge 2 years ago
I made some coilguns as well. I used
400V 65A SCRs...cost me 15 bucks each.
I started a coil-rifle some time ago...but I also started a CW-laser-rifle. Lasers first ^^
AnselmoFanZero 2 years ago
Nice! i was incredibly lucky when i found my SCR's i think i got 6 for about £25 inc postage. they are rated at 50A @ 1200V.
a while ago i was looking at getting a hockey puck SCR with a rating of something stupid like 80,000A! obviously i couldn't offord it and i dont have any caps big enough to warrant such an item. im trying to stay away from capacitors now. putting your thumb across a 330V 100uF cap fully charged REALLY HURTS!
HVdischarge 2 years ago
Yep...can kill you. I hate to test coilguns for the first time. Cause if its not working, the caps are charged...even if you short em (posted by AnselmoFanZero) accidently deleted
HVdischarge 2 years ago
Yep, 2 holes in my thumb! i even heard the bang as i touched it! i would rather a 230V mains shock anyday! (had loads :-/).
i got a few shocks when i was playing around with tesla coils almost a year ago, i had a pot of HV capacitors about 2 feet from the tesla coil... i put my hand in there and got loads of shocks lol. felt like static (with a bit more kick)
HVdischarge 2 years ago
where could i find the core you used for the transformer
legogunguy001 2 years ago
hello,
i got mine from a TV/ monitor flyback transformer. try ebay and typing in one of the following:
flyback transformer,
LOPT,
line output transformer.
:-D
HVdischarge