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Ask an Expert Forum Simple circuit to create a spark
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  • electronic
  • lighter
  • circuit
  • ignition
  • arc
  • spark
  • torch
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Simple circuit to create a spark

rictrajano
rictrajano over 1 year ago

Hello,

My small torch spark mechanism is broken and I was wondering if I could create a spark with an electronic circuit. I use this torches daily and it's been the 3rd that got broken and you can't really buy spare parts for these.

I'm not sure where to start on how to create a spark with an electronic circuit (although sometimes they happen spontaneously in some of my projects Smiley)
The ark will need to be 3mm (maybe less but I'd like to point to 3mm)

Thanks in advance for your help

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  • rsc
    rsc over 1 year ago +4
    Why not just try and fix the small torch spark mechanism? This spark lighter always works.
  • javagoza
    javagoza over 1 year ago in reply to rictrajano +2 verified
    Build DIY Electric Arc Lighter using D880 Transistor – QuartzComponents
  • robogary
    robogary over 1 year ago +1
    One way is to get a nice sized inductor (like an industrial dc motor field coil) and connect to dc to charge. Lift the wire after a few seconds and enjoy the fireworks. Or you can get a piezoelectric…
  • rictrajano
    0 rictrajano over 1 year ago

    image

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  • dougw
    0 dougw over 1 year ago

    Is this just a momentary spark or a continuous arc?

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  • robogary
    0 robogary over 1 year ago

    One way is to get a nice sized inductor (like an industrial dc motor field coil) and connect to dc to charge. Lift the wire after a few seconds and enjoy the fireworks. 

    Or you can get a piezoelectric crystal ignitor used in gas grills. 

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  • rictrajano
    0 rictrajano over 1 year ago in reply to dougw

    My idea would be something that would give more or less 2 sparks per second. But I'm open to suggestions for both options.

    Thank you

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  • rictrajano
    0 rictrajano over 1 year ago in reply to robogary

    I believe that the first option would be an over kill for such a small torch. I'll check the piezoelectric option. The form/size factor is also important. Didn't want to have something to big.
    Thank you

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  • robogary
    0 robogary over 1 year ago in reply to rictrajano

    the torch likely had a piezoelectric crystal ignitor to start with, and the most practical solution. Creating sparks from a low voltage source usually involves a transformer/inductor to create an instantaneous voltage transient high enough to breakdown the air gap. I googled this tidbit: Normally air medium is widely use as an insulating medium in different electrical power equipments and over head lines as its breakdown strength is 30kV/cm.

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  • rsc
    0 rsc over 1 year ago

    Why not just try and fix the small torch spark mechanism?

    This spark lighter always works.

    image

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  • dougw
    0 dougw over 1 year ago

    You would need about 1100 volts per mm so count on at least 3300 volts to arc across 3 mm. A microwave oven transformer gets close to this voltage.

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  • md_steve
    0 md_steve over 1 year ago in reply to dougw

    Nah, I'd use an old CRT flyback transformer to really light it up. 

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  • rsc
    0 rsc over 1 year ago in reply to dougw

    I would not suggest a microwave oven transformer just because they operate around 1000W and could easily melt the spark gap.  We use them for Tesla coil drivers.  A small automotive ignition coil might be safer.

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