Coilgun switching

[Ilija1856]

hi hi im planing on building a strong coilgun (give or take 5kv per each coil) and need a switching mechanism which cna handle taht load and do so quickly.My original idea was pneumatic switches however i think those would be way too slow. Next i thought gas switches could work. The idea being is I have a spark gap which is enclosed in a metal box where a vacuum is pulledd. Then when i need to quench the arching i would pump in either sf6 or nitgrogen gas. Howeveri have been told by dubious sources that this wouldnt work. Does anyone have any opinions or ideas for fast and accurate switching systems? Please keep in mind cost and availability. Thank yo ufro your time and i wish you a wonderful day

[oliviawilde168]

I'd love to take a look at the Falstad circuit you've created.

[tubeexact]

For fast, high-voltage switching like this, you might want to look into IGBTs or SCRs rated for pulse power applications — they’re much faster and more reliable than mechanical switches. If you're going the spark gap route, triggered spark gaps (TSGs) or even thyratrons could work better than gas/vacuum toggling, but they can be pricey and tricky to source. Also consider solid-state options if your timing needs are very precise.

[samlevy0515]

For fast 5kV switching, I'd recommend using series-stacked IGBTs with proper gate drivers - they offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and cost for hobbyist coilgun projects.

[samlevy0515]

Also check out Marx generator-style setups for staged switching ideas. Just be super careful—5kV+ energy dumps can be unforgiving. 'Best of luck, and stay safe!

[HenryGeorge]

hi hi im planing on building a strong coilgun (give or take 5kv per each coil) and need a switching mechanism which cna handle taht load and do so quickly.My original idea was pneumatic switches however i think those would be way too slow. Next i thought gas switches could work. The idea being is I have a spark gap which is enclosed in a metal box where a vacuum is pulledd. Then when i need to quench the arching i would pump in either sf6 or nitgrogen gas. Howeveri have been told by dubious sources that this wouldnt work. Does anyone have any opinions or ideas for fast and accurate switching systems? Please keep in mind cost and availability. Thank yo ufro your time and i wish you a wonderful day

Cool project. Pneumatic switches are too slow, and gas-filled spark gaps can work, but controlling them precisely is tough. You might try triggered spark gaps or high-voltage IGBTs—both are fast and reliable, though IGBTs can be expensive. SCRs or stacked MOSFETs could work too if timed right. Good luck!