Page 1 of 1

Ignition coil problems

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:19 pm
by Fnord
I've wired up a car ignition coil according to the diagram found here: http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1982&
The problem is that instead of arcing across the gap it just slowly drains the battery.
I'm using a 9v, because I haven't really heard anyone say how much juice these things need to function.
The capacitor is rated for 3300uf @ 35v.
Is the voltage or amperage to low or is it possible I have a dead coil? Could really use some advice :? .

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:57 pm
by Pete Zaria
I've never tried to wire up an ignition coil as in that diagram.

However, I can tell you that a disposable camera flash circuit discharging through an automotive relay and ignition coil produces some huge, fat sparks. Might want to give that a try. You can go to most drug stores that have a photo developing counter and ask for a few used disposable cameras, "for a science project", and they'll usually hand them over. A relay costs $10 new, or probably free from a junkyard...

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:10 pm
by SpudBlaster15
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nec placerat erat. Vivamus dapibus egestas nunc, at eleifend neque. Suspendisse potenti. Sed dictum lacus eu nisl pretium vehicula. Ut faucibus hendrerit nisi. Integer ultricies orci eu ultrices malesuada. Fusce id mauris risus. Suspendisse finibus ligula et nisl rutrum efficitur. Vestibulum posuere erat pellentesque ornare venenatis. Integer commodo fermentum tortor in pharetra. Proin scelerisque consectetur posuere. Vestibulum molestie augue ac nibh feugiat scelerisque. Sed aliquet a nunc in mattis.

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:30 pm
by Fnord
Shouldn't I take the bulb out first?
Also, am I just trying to discharge the raw voltage from the capacitor into the coil or does it go though a transformer before it hits the flash bulb?

I currently have 5 flash boards laying around so I guess I can stand to do some trial and error :)

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:10 pm
by Pete Zaria
You're just using the board to charge the cap, and dumping the cap into the ignition coil. I've always used a relay, but SpudBlaster generally knows what he's talking about, so maybe try it both ways and see which works better? :)

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:21 pm
by SpudBlaster15
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras nec placerat erat. Vivamus dapibus egestas nunc, at eleifend neque. Suspendisse potenti. Sed dictum lacus eu nisl pretium vehicula. Ut faucibus hendrerit nisi. Integer ultricies orci eu ultrices malesuada. Fusce id mauris risus. Suspendisse finibus ligula et nisl rutrum efficitur. Vestibulum posuere erat pellentesque ornare venenatis. Integer commodo fermentum tortor in pharetra. Proin scelerisque consectetur posuere. Vestibulum molestie augue ac nibh feugiat scelerisque. Sed aliquet a nunc in mattis.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:39 pm
by Fnord
Thanks for the help everyone, it turns out the coil was just bad. I just found and wired up a new coil with a 9volt and that gave me a small spark but at least I know what my problem is now.

and of course, I couldn't resist shocking myself a few times :)
9 volt dont have much kick, but tomorrow I'll wire up a flashboard for it (dont plan on shocking myself with it then).