Camera flash - Revision history

GalFisk: /* Short circuit gap */ typo

2009-09-23T10:08:02Z

Short circuit gap: typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:08, 23 September 2009
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	==Short circuit gap==		==Short circuit gap==

	A camera flash can be used with a short circuit gap, which has movable points that can be brought in contact from outside the chamber. The flash capacitor is connected directly to the gap and creates a spark when it's shorted. This spark gap is more difficult to make, and may have isues with ~~weldong~~ and erosion, but is easy to hook up and requires little electronics knowledge.		A camera flash can be used with a short circuit gap, which has movable points that can be brought in contact from outside the chamber. The flash capacitor is connected directly to the gap and creates a spark when it's shorted. This spark gap is more difficult to make, and may have isues with welding and erosion, but is easy to hook up and requires little electronics knowledge.

	==Others==		==Others==

DK: /* Ignition coil */

2008-11-25T03:47:40Z

[[Ignition coil]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:47, 24 November 2008
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	<br>[[Step 9 - Replacing the Charging Button]]		<br>[[Step 9 - Replacing the Charging Button]]

	<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]]~~, since~~ it make the relay easily removable.		<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]]; it will make the relay easily removable in case of a wiring problem or to be used in another project.

	If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.		If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.

Jimmy101: Added link that describes how the photo flash circuits work.

2008-04-17T19:10:07Z

Added link that describes how the photo flash circuits work.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 17 April 2008
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	The main advantage of camera flash-based ignitions is that it can be built using cheap, readily available components. The spark is more powerful than that of a piezoelectric ignitor. A camera flash is usually powered by one or two AAA or AA cells. Disadvantages include several seconds of recharge time before the ignition can be triggered again, and significant shock hazard from the storage capacitor if built improperly. Special care should be taken when used in metal launchers, as both sides of the storage capacitor can have significant voltages between them and other parts of the circuit, such as the battery poles and the trigger switch.		The main advantage of camera flash-based ignitions is that it can be built using cheap, readily available components. The spark is more powerful than that of a piezoelectric ignitor. A camera flash is usually powered by one or two AAA or AA cells. Disadvantages include several seconds of recharge time before the ignition can be triggered again, and significant shock hazard from the storage capacitor if built improperly. Special care should be taken when used in metal launchers, as both sides of the storage capacitor can have significant voltages between them and other parts of the circuit, such as the battery poles and the trigger switch.

			For an excellent description on how these disposable camera photo circuits work see [http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/XenonFlasher/XenonFlasher.html].

	The camera flash is most easily obtained from a disposable camera, many places that develop films from these will give the discarded camera shell away for free if asked. The flash capacitor can store charge for a long time, and should be discharged before handling the circuit.		The camera flash is most easily obtained from a disposable camera, many places that develop films from these will give the discarded camera shell away for free if asked. The flash capacitor can store charge for a long time, and should be discharged before handling the circuit.

Carlman: /* Triggered spark gap */

2008-01-05T05:42:13Z

Triggered spark gap

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:42, 5 January 2008
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	==Triggered spark gap==		==Triggered spark gap==

	Another ignition method that does not require an external step-up transformer, consists of removing the flash tube, and taking out the trigger lead as well as the two main leads. These are then connected to three electrodes, which are placed together to form a spark gap of a millimeter or less. Triggering the flash will ionize the air in the gap and discharge the main capacitor. This produces a more intense spark than the first method, but it requires a more complex ~~park~~ gap. The electrodes can also erode over time, requiring readjustment.		Another ignition method that does not require an external step-up transformer, consists of removing the flash tube, and taking out the trigger lead as well as the two main leads. These are then connected to three electrodes, which are placed together to form a spark gap of a millimeter or less. Triggering the flash will ionize the air in the gap and discharge the main capacitor. This produces a more intense spark than the first method, but it requires a more complex spark gap. The electrodes can also erode over time, requiring readjustment.

	==Trigger transformer spark==		==Trigger transformer spark==

GalFisk: +short circuit gap

2007-05-08T11:05:33Z

+short circuit gap

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:05, 8 May 2007
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	The trigger transformer for the flash tube produces a few kV on its own, and can be connected to a spark gap. The advantage to this method is that the main capacitor is not dumped, so recharge time is eliminated and it uses less battery power. The spark is very weak however, and this method is generally not recommended.		The trigger transformer for the flash tube produces a few kV on its own, and can be connected to a spark gap. The advantage to this method is that the main capacitor is not dumped, so recharge time is eliminated and it uses less battery power. The spark is very weak however, and this method is generally not recommended.

			==Short circuit gap==

			A camera flash can be used with a short circuit gap, which has movable points that can be brought in contact from outside the chamber. The flash capacitor is connected directly to the gap and creates a spark when it's shorted. This spark gap is more difficult to make, and may have isues with weldong and erosion, but is easy to hook up and requires little electronics knowledge.

	==Others==		==Others==

DK: /* Ignition coil */

2006-06-20T05:53:04Z

[[Ignition coil]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:53, 20 June 2006
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	<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.		<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.

	~~{{stub}}~~

	If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.		If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.

	The output transformer from a stun gun can also be used, which can be useful if the charging circuit in the stun gun has died. These circuits are in fact quite similar to that of a stun gun.		The output transformer from a stun gun can also be used, which can be useful if the charging circuit in the stun gun has died. These circuits are in fact quite similar to that of a stun gun.

			{{stub}}

	===<u>Tube Switched Coil</u>===		===<u>Tube Switched Coil</u>===

DK: /* Ignition coil */

2006-06-20T05:52:38Z

[[Ignition coil]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:52, 20 June 2006
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	<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.		<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.

			{{stub}}

	If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.		If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.

DK: /* Ignition coil */

2006-06-20T05:46:42Z

Ignition coil

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:46, 20 June 2006
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	There are several ways to connect a camera flash to a spark gap, which all have their own advantages and drawbacks. These are the most common circuits.		There are several ways to connect a camera flash to a spark gap, which all have their own advantages and drawbacks. These are the most common circuits.

	==Ignition coil==		==[[Ignition coil]]==

	An ignition coil (or other step-up transformer, such as a flyback or a mains transformer connected in reverse) will provide a high voltage spark when the flash capacitor is discharged through it. Most Ignition coils has a 100:1 winding ratio, meaning that for every 1 volt that is put into the coil, 100 volts come back out.		An ignition coil (or other step-up transformer, such as a flyback or a mains transformer connected in reverse) will provide a high voltage spark when the flash capacitor is discharged through it. Most Ignition coils has a 100:1 winding ratio, meaning that for every 1 volt that is put into the coil, 100 volts come back out.

DK: /* Circuits */

2006-06-20T03:37:48Z

Circuits

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:37, 19 June 2006
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	The output transformer from a stun gun can also be used, which can be useful if the charging circuit in the stun gun has died. These circuits are in fact quite similar to that of a stun gun.		The output transformer from a stun gun can also be used, which can be useful if the charging circuit in the stun gun has died. These circuits are in fact quite similar to that of a stun gun.
	===Tube ~~switched~~===		===<u>Tube Switched Coil</u>===

	The ignition that requires the least modification of the camera consists of cutting one of the main leads to the flash tube, and connecting the ignition coil in between. Triggering the flash will produce a spark from the output of the transformer. The advantage to using the flash tube itself to switch the main discharge, is that almost any small switch can be used to trigger the circuit. If the trigger switch is replaced by a thyristor (SCR), the ignition can be triggered by an electronic circuit. The flash circuit itself is mostly intact and not driven out of spec, which means this circuit is quite reliable.		The ignition that requires the least modification of the camera consists of cutting one of the main leads to the flash tube, and connecting the ignition coil in between. Triggering the flash will produce a spark from the output of the transformer. The advantage to using the flash tube itself to switch the main discharge, is that almost any small switch can be used to trigger the circuit. If the trigger switch is replaced by a thyristor (SCR), the ignition can be triggered by an electronic circuit. The flash circuit itself is mostly intact and not driven out of spec, which means this circuit is quite reliable.

	===Manually ~~switched~~===		===<u>Manually Switched Coil</u>===

	The flash tube can also be replaced by a heavy duty switch for triggering, though if the switch is too weak it may become welded shut. This switch will also be carrying the full voltage of the capacitor, and must be properly insulated to prevent electric shock. If the trigger switch is held down for a long time the charging circuit in the flash may break since its output is shorted for the duration.		The flash tube can also be replaced by a heavy duty switch for triggering, though if the switch is too weak it may become welded shut. This switch will also be carrying the full voltage of the capacitor, and must be properly insulated to prevent electric shock. If the trigger switch is held down for a long time the charging circuit in the flash may break since its output is shorted for the duration.

DK: /* Ignition coil */

2006-06-20T03:36:24Z

Ignition coil

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 19 June 2006
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	<br>[[Step 9 - Replacing the Charging Button]]		<br>[[Step 9 - Replacing the Charging Button]]

	<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [[5-pin automotive relay]], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.		<br>The relay used in the diagrams is a standard [http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm 5-pin automotive relay], which can be purchased at any auto parts or electronics store. It is advisable that you also use a [[relay socket]], since it make the relay easily removable.

	If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.		If a mains transformer connected in reverse is used, the spark gap will be electrically insulated from the rest of the curcuit, an advantage when used in metal cannons.