From bigclivedotcom.

Ignore the ridiculous figures the marketers quote – these devices only generate about 15-20kV.

Note that these devices are not legal to own in the UK, and are classed in the same category as a gun.

When I saw these being sold cheaply in America many decades ago, I just had to buy one to take to bits to see how they stepped the voltage up.

It’s a clever design that initially charges a capacitor to a high voltage and then dumps it through a chunky output transformer to give it the final boost with a fairly high current spike.

I’m not sure what the circuitry is like these days, but it will probably use the same two transformer arrangement. This module is not to be confused with the high voltage igniter modules sold by online stores. They usually use a single transformer and a voltage multiplier.

No links because I can’t buy one. Last time I tried buying one online from Information Unlimited several years ago it got seized by customs.

Note that making your own is not recommended, as the output transformer requires specialist manufacturing techniques. If not made correctly it will arc internally and fail.

If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing for similar content.

You can help support the channel with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets, and keep it independent from the quirks of the YouTube algorithm by supporting me on Patreon. This also lets me link to my content on other platforms if YouTube uses the ban-hammer (again!)
I release content for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as it has been made.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive

#ElectronicsCreators