Difference between revisions of "Ignition coil"

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(+more info, -stub (though it can still use more work ,and a nice pic))
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===Driving circuits:===
 
===Driving circuits:===
 
====Buzzer relay====
 
====Buzzer relay====
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A relay is connected so that when it activates, it will cut its own current. This will cause it to oscillate, and the resulting pulsed current can be fed to the ignition coil.
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There are several ways to set up this circuit depending on the configuration of the relay. The most reliable and powerful design uses a relay with two normally closed contacts, where one is connected in series with the relay solenoid to make it oscillate, and the other contact is connected in series with the ignition coil. The contact that closes first upon return should be connected to the ignition coil, so the contacts should be swapped during testing to see which configuration gives the most consistent spark.
  
 
====Electronic oscillator circuit====
 
====Electronic oscillator circuit====
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An oscillator circuit, typically made up of a [[555 timer]] circuit and switching transistor, is used to interrupt the current through the coil with a frequency of 5-20 kHz.
 
An oscillator circuit, typically made up of a [[555 timer]] circuit and switching transistor, is used to interrupt the current through the coil with a frequency of 5-20 kHz.
====[[Camera flash]]====
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The voltage from the storage capacitor of a camera flash is dumped through the ignition coil.
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====Camera flash====
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The voltage from the storage capacitor of a camera flash is dumped through the ignition coil. See the [[[camera flash]] article for circuit details.
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====Manual switch====
 
====Manual switch====
  
 
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If the current through the ignition coil is switched on and off manually, the coil will produce a spark every time the current is shut off.
{{stub}}
 

Revision as of 16:34, 23 March 2006

An ignition coil is the ignition source used in most gas engines, and can be adapted for use as a spudgun ignition. To generate a high voltage pulse, the current in the primary coil needs to be pulsed.

Driving circuits:

Buzzer relay

A relay is connected so that when it activates, it will cut its own current. This will cause it to oscillate, and the resulting pulsed current can be fed to the ignition coil.

There are several ways to set up this circuit depending on the configuration of the relay. The most reliable and powerful design uses a relay with two normally closed contacts, where one is connected in series with the relay solenoid to make it oscillate, and the other contact is connected in series with the ignition coil. The contact that closes first upon return should be connected to the ignition coil, so the contacts should be swapped during testing to see which configuration gives the most consistent spark.

Electronic oscillator circuit

An oscillator circuit, typically made up of a 555 timer circuit and switching transistor, is used to interrupt the current through the coil with a frequency of 5-20 kHz.

Camera flash

The voltage from the storage capacitor of a camera flash is dumped through the ignition coil. See the [[[camera flash]] article for circuit details.

Manual switch

If the current through the ignition coil is switched on and off manually, the coil will produce a spark every time the current is shut off.