Create your own spark
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Create your own spark
We have got 3400 turns of 26 gauge insulated copper magnetic wire wrapped around a 3/4'' PVC pipe (6" long). with wax paper inbetween each layer as the secondary coil. We have tried 3 1/2 up to 12 turns on the primary coil using 26 gauge insulated wire. We have the latest relay switch which we read to use, we have the capasitors and resitor in place where the directions say for them to be. The relay is vibrating and chattering, BUT we can not get a spark no matter what we do. The project is due MONDAY. HELP!!!
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John Furman
- Former Expert
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:33 pm
Shorting Relay?
Hi Science1,
It seems to me that the capacitor is there to store the charge for the desired spark and the relay is there to short-out the capacitor and prevent it from charging. If the relay is vibrating/chattering no charge will buildup. So the relay must stay "open" for the charge to build. The relay may be the trouble maker.
It seems to me that the capacitor is there to store the charge for the desired spark and the relay is there to short-out the capacitor and prevent it from charging. If the relay is vibrating/chattering no charge will buildup. So the relay must stay "open" for the charge to build. The relay may be the trouble maker.
Hi Science1,
I am not an Expert, but rather a non-technical Science Buddies staff member who happened to notice your urgent post. If you are still stuck, you might try reading through the archives in our Ask an Expert advice forum of discussions by other people who have tried this project and posted questions about it. Perhaps another student has already asked this question or a similar one. Browse through the threads listed in this search of our website: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... =FORID%3A9
Good luck and do let us know what happens!
Courtney Corda
Science Buddies Staff Member
I am not an Expert, but rather a non-technical Science Buddies staff member who happened to notice your urgent post. If you are still stuck, you might try reading through the archives in our Ask an Expert advice forum of discussions by other people who have tried this project and posted questions about it. Perhaps another student has already asked this question or a similar one. Browse through the threads listed in this search of our website: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... =FORID%3A9
Good luck and do let us know what happens!
Courtney Corda
Science Buddies Staff Member