Pushing Boundaries
At 14, I started exploring more dangerous territory. This project combined my interest in electronics with a fascination for high-voltage systems.
The Build
I took a small Airsoft toy gun and modified it with camera flash electronics:
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The flash circuit was extracted from a disposable camera
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Battery and capacitor stored in the gun magazine
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Trigger mechanism modified to activate the charging circuit
When the trigger was pulled to the maximum, it clicked the charging button on the flash circuit, creating a tension of 250V between two metal pieces on the front.
The Science
Camera flash circuits are fascinating examples of voltage multiplication:
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They take a small battery voltage (1.5V or 3V)
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Use an oscillator and transformer to step it up
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Store the energy in a capacitor
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Release it in a brief, high-energy pulse
Understanding this circuit taught me about:
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Energy storage in capacitors
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Voltage transformation
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Safety considerations with high voltage
Safety Note
While I was careful during construction, this project highlighted the importance of respecting electricity. High voltage demands caution and proper insulation. I was fortunate to learn this lesson without serious injury.