Stun gun - Revision history

Jimmy101: Added a breif setion on how a stung gun works

2009-04-19T16:59:57Z

Added a breif setion on how a stung gun works

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:59, 19 April 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function. If a gun has multiple spark gaps then the total spark gap length must be less than the default gap. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900KV (KV=thousand volts), but spark length is limited by the default gap, which is typically 0.75" to 1" (20~25mm). They are generally powered by one or more 9V batteries. The trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced with a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place (see also [[Remotely_Activated_Gun\| remote control]]).		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function. If a gun has multiple spark gaps then the total spark gap length must be less than the default gap. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900KV (KV=thousand volts), but spark length is limited by the default gap, which is typically 0.75" to 1" (20~25mm). They are generally powered by one or more 9V batteries. The trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced with a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place (see also [[Remotely_Activated_Gun\| remote control]]).

			==How A Stun Gun Works==

			A typical stun gun circuit is fairly simple. If it weren't for the specialized transformer required it would be relatively easy to build your own stun gun from scatch. For a description of how a typical stun gun works see [http://www.bigclive.com/stunner.htm here].

	==Repackaging==		==Repackaging==

Benstern: added links and fixed spelling

2008-06-01T11:20:44Z

added links and fixed spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 1 June 2008
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	==Potential Problems==		==Potential Problems==

	Stun guns are a relatively cheap and usually reliable ignition sources, but they are not constructed to be operated for more than a few seconds at the time. Operating a stun gun for more than a couple of seconds can overheat and fry it. Most often it is the main switching transistor that gets fried, it can usually be replaced with any transistor of similar or higher ratings. Stun guns appear to fail about as often as piezo electric (BBQ) sparkers, which is to say, some will last forever, a few will die after only a few uses.		Stun guns are a relatively cheap and usually reliable ignition sources, but they are not constructed to be operated for more than a few seconds at the time. Operating a stun gun for more than a couple of seconds can overheat and fry it. Most often it is the main switching transistor that gets fried, it can usually be replaced with any transistor of similar or higher ratings. Stun guns appear to fail about as often as [[BBQ ignitor\|piezo electric (BBQ) sparkers]], which is to say, some will last forever, a few will die after only a few uses.
	[[Image:Stun-open_annotated.jpg\|frame\|Major parts inside the stun gun case]]		[[Image:Stun-open_annotated.jpg\|frame\|Major parts inside the stun gun case]]

	Another common failure mode, besides frying of the main transistor, is the development of an internal arc in the stun gun. The high voltage will always jump the smallest gap it can find. Sometimes this gap is, incorrectly, inside the case of the ~~gun~~. If the spark is jumping inside the ~~gun~~ case then there is no voltage available to jump the external gap(s). Note that a normally operating stun gun sometimes has '''two''' spark gaps that '''both''' must spark, the visible external spark gap (which is usually two gaps; the default gap and the working gap) and '''another''' gap located inside the case. The internal gap is part of the high voltage generating circuitry. Usually, this internal gap is simply two strips of flat metal that cross each other in an X pattern. These two pieces of metal are designed to arc at a fairly "low" voltage (probably a few hundred volts) and supply the switching between the two stages of voltage amplification that most stun guns use.		Another common failure mode, besides frying of the main transistor, is the development of an internal arc in the stun gun. The high voltage will always jump the smallest gap it can find. Sometimes this gap is, incorrectly, inside the case of the stungun. If the spark is jumping inside the stungun case then there is no voltage available to jump the external gap(s). Note that a normally operating stun gun sometimes has '''two''' spark gaps that '''both''' must spark, the visible external spark gap (which is usually two gaps; the default gap and the working gap) and '''another''' gap located inside the case. The internal gap is part of the high voltage generating circuitry. Usually, this internal gap is simply two strips of flat metal that cross each other in an X pattern. These two pieces of metal are designed to arc at a fairly "low" voltage (probably a few hundred volts) and supply the switching between the two stages of voltage amplification that most stun guns use.

	If your stun gun quits working it may not be completely dead. If the gun still makes a ticking sound and/or a high-pitched whine, then it may have developed an internal arc. Try using a piece of wire to shorten the working gap and see if the smaller gap will spark. If you can get the external gap to be smaller than the internal (incorrect) gap then the stun gun may still be ~~useable~~. If you purchased a stun gun with an easily opened case you can usually locate the incorrect internal arc and coat it with ~~silcon~~ caulk. ''Do not confuse the incorrect arc with the normal internal spark gap that the gun may contain.''		If your stun gun quits working it may not be completely dead. If the gun still makes a ticking sound and/or a high-pitched whine, then it may have developed an internal arc. Try using a piece of wire to shorten the working gap and see if the smaller gap will spark. If you can get the external gap to be smaller than the internal (incorrect) gap then the stun gun may still be usable. If you purchased a stun gun with an easily opened case you can usually locate the incorrect internal arc and coat it with silicon caulk. ''Do not confuse the incorrect arc with the normal internal spark gap that the gun may contain.''

	==Legal Issues==		==Legal Issues==

Jimmy101: added photo with internal parts labelled

2007-09-13T17:42:02Z

added photo with internal parts labelled

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:42, 13 September 2007
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	Stun guns are a relatively cheap and usually reliable ignition sources, but they are not constructed to be operated for more than a few seconds at the time. Operating a stun gun for more than a couple of seconds can overheat and fry it. Most often it is the main switching transistor that gets fried, it can usually be replaced with any transistor of similar or higher ratings. Stun guns appear to fail about as often as piezo electric (BBQ) sparkers, which is to say, some will last forever, a few will die after only a few uses.		Stun guns are a relatively cheap and usually reliable ignition sources, but they are not constructed to be operated for more than a few seconds at the time. Operating a stun gun for more than a couple of seconds can overheat and fry it. Most often it is the main switching transistor that gets fried, it can usually be replaced with any transistor of similar or higher ratings. Stun guns appear to fail about as often as piezo electric (BBQ) sparkers, which is to say, some will last forever, a few will die after only a few uses.
			[[Image:Stun-open_annotated.jpg\|frame\|Major parts inside the stun gun case]]

	Another common failure mode, besides frying of the main transistor, is the development of an internal arc in the stun gun. The high voltage will always jump the smallest gap it can find. Sometimes this gap is, incorrectly, inside the case of the gun. If the spark is jumping inside the gun case then there is no voltage available to jump the external gap(s). Note that a normally operating stun gun sometimes has '''two''' spark gaps that '''both''' must spark, the visible external spark gap (which is usually two gaps; the default gap and the working gap) and '''another''' gap located inside the case. The internal gap is part of the high voltage generating circuitry. Usually, this internal gap is simply two strips of flat metal that cross each other in an X pattern. These two pieces of metal are designed to arc at a fairly "low" voltage (probably a few hundred volts) and supply the switching between the two stages of voltage amplification that most stun guns use.		Another common failure mode, besides frying of the main transistor, is the development of an internal arc in the stun gun. The high voltage will always jump the smallest gap it can find. Sometimes this gap is, incorrectly, inside the case of the gun. If the spark is jumping inside the gun case then there is no voltage available to jump the external gap(s). Note that a normally operating stun gun sometimes has '''two''' spark gaps that '''both''' must spark, the visible external spark gap (which is usually two gaps; the default gap and the working gap) and '''another''' gap located inside the case. The internal gap is part of the high voltage generating circuitry. Usually, this internal gap is simply two strips of flat metal that cross each other in an X pattern. These two pieces of metal are designed to arc at a fairly "low" voltage (probably a few hundred volts) and supply the switching between the two stages of voltage amplification that most stun guns use.

	If your stun gun quits working it may not be completely dead. If the gun still makes a ticking sound and/or a high-pitched whine, then it may have developed an internal arc. Try using a piece of wire to shorten the working gap and see if the smaller gap will spark. If you can get the external gap to be smaller than the internal (incorrect) gap then the stun gun may still be useable. If you purchased a stun gun with an easily opened case you can usually locate the incorrect internal arc and coat it with silcon caulk. ''Do not confuse the incorrect arc with the normal internal ~~arc~~ gap that the gun may contain.''		If your stun gun quits working it may not be completely dead. If the gun still makes a ticking sound and/or a high-pitched whine, then it may have developed an internal arc. Try using a piece of wire to shorten the working gap and see if the smaller gap will spark. If you can get the external gap to be smaller than the internal (incorrect) gap then the stun gun may still be useable. If you purchased a stun gun with an easily opened case you can usually locate the incorrect internal arc and coat it with silcon caulk. ''Do not confuse the incorrect arc with the normal internal spark gap that the gun may contain.''

	==Legal Issues==		==Legal Issues==

Jimmy101: Added sources, ways they fail, legal issues ...

2007-09-13T17:23:14Z

Added sources, ways they fail, legal issues ...

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:Stun-open.jpg|frame|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.
+[[Image:Stun-open.jpg|frame|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function. If a gun has multiple spark gaps then the total spark gap length must be less than the default gap. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900KV (KV=thousand volts), but spark length is limited by the default gap, which is typically 0.75" to 1" (20~25mm). They are generally powered by one or more 9V batteries. The trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced with a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place (see also [[Remotely_Activated_Gun| remote control]]).
-Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similar or higher ratings.
+==Repackaging==
 Tasers and cattle prods also contain similar high voltage sources, but are less well suited as ignition sources. Tasers are expensive and have a lot of superfluous components, cattle prods have a lower voltage and can only drive small spark gaps.
-Stun guns are illegal in several countries, so alternate ignition sources are more commonly used outside the US. The design of a [[camera flash]]+[[ignition coil]] ignition is very similar to that of a stun gun.
+Certain inverter circuits used for fluorescent lights, CCFs (cold cathode fluorescents) and "ion generators" can sometimes be used as ignition sources.
 [[Category:Ignition sources]]

70.31.208.207: spelling

2006-03-04T22:31:49Z

spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 4 March 2006
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or ~~similiar~~, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.

	Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of ~~similiar~~ or higher ratings.		Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similar or higher ratings.

	Tasers and cattle prods also contain ~~similiar~~ high voltage sources, but are less well suited as ignition sources. Tasers are expensive and have a lot of superfluous components, cattle prods have a lower voltage and can only drive small spark gaps.		Tasers and cattle prods also contain similar high voltage sources, but are less well suited as ignition sources. Tasers are expensive and have a lot of superfluous components, cattle prods have a lower voltage and can only drive small spark gaps.

	Stun guns are illegal in several countries, so alternate ignition sources are more commonly used outside the US. The design of a [[camera flash]]+[[ignition coil]] ignition is very ~~similiar~~ to that of a stun gun.		Stun guns are illegal in several countries, so alternate ignition sources are more commonly used outside the US. The design of a [[camera flash]]+[[ignition coil]] ignition is very similar to that of a stun gun.
	[[Category:~~Ingition~~ sources]]		[[Category:Ignition sources]]

GalFisk: +cat

2005-10-25T12:02:49Z

+cat

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:02, 25 October 2005
Line 6:		Line 6:

	Stun guns are illegal in several countries, so alternate ignition sources are more commonly used outside the US. The design of a [[camera flash]]+[[ignition coil]] ignition is very similiar to that of a stun gun.		Stun guns are illegal in several countries, so alternate ignition sources are more commonly used outside the US. The design of a [[camera flash]]+[[ignition coil]] ignition is very similiar to that of a stun gun.
			[[Category:Ingition sources]]

1984 at 15:25, 24 October 2005

2005-10-24T15:25:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:25, 24 October 2005
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]'''Stun guns''' create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.

	Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.		Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.

1984 at 15:24, 24 October 2005

2005-10-24T15:24:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:24, 24 October 2005
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use an ignition system]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use in an ignition system]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.

	Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.		Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.

1984 at 01:36, 24 October 2005

2005-10-24T01:36:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 23 October 2005
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for an ignition]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for use an ignition system]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.

	Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.		Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.

1984 at 01:36, 24 October 2005

2005-10-24T01:36:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 23 October 2005
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:~~Stun_open~~.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for an ignition]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.		[[Image:Stun-open.jpg\|frame\|A stungun being modified for an ignition]]Stun guns create a large high voltage spark, and are therefore useful as [[ignition source]]s. They are one of the simplest to set up, the [[spark gap]] is simply connected to the main electrodes. Stun guns provide the highest voltage of the common ignition sources, 50-900kV, but spark length is limited by the default gap. They are typically powered by one or more 9V batteries, and the trigger switch only carries battery voltage, so it can be replaced a remote trigger switch in a more convenient place. The entire stun gun circuit can also be removed from the original enclosure and mounted in a project box or similiar, though the default gap should always be left intact to prevent overvoltage and arcing. The spark gap needs to be smaller than the default gap for the circuit to function.

	Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.		Stun guns are relatively cheap and very reliable ignition sources, but they are not dimensioned to be powered on for more than a few seconds at the time and could break. Most often it is the main switching transistor that dies, it can usually be replaced with any model of similiar or higher ratings.