A simple plasma ball from a light bulb

September 26, 2016 Tesla Transformer / DIY electronics 28 285 1

Many have heard of the plasma ball, but not everyone wants to spend money on it. Radio amateurs know that you can make it yourself. Alas, for beginners, amateur radio circuits on the Internet are quite complicated and incomprehensible. This article will help make a plasma ball even for those who hold a soldering iron for the second time in their lives. But first, I advise you to familiarize yourself with the safety precautions presented in the article Jacob's Ladder.

So, let's start manufacturing.
We will need the following details:

VT1 - GT806D,
VT2 - KT805AM,
R1 - 1kOhm,
C2 - 0.02 microfarads (import marking: 203),
Line transformer Tr2: TVS-70P2.

All parts except VT1 can be found in the old tube TV. VT2 needs a good heat sink!

Often beginner radio amateurs have difficulty in obtaining this or that voltage, this problem is solved here. The supply voltage of the circuit varies in a wide range: 9 volts-30 volts, 1-2 amperes.
Here are three transformers:

The most suitable of them is the first. The second one can also be used, but the discharges will be different, but the third transformer is not recommended at all. It is possible to rectify the current only with such diodes:

This is D242D (VD1-VD4).
The plasma ball diagram itself is as follows:

As you can see, the minimum number of parts is involved in the circuit, which is especially important for beginner hams, the circuit can be assembled by wall mounting, which is very pleasing. And here is the assembled circuit:

Important, the line transformer must be connected correctly! The VT2 collector is connected to 4 pins.
The VT1 emitter is connected to pin 6. Caution, when turned on, pin 7 produces a high voltage of high frequency.

When everything is ready, turn on the transformer in the network. When bringing iron objects to the 7th contact sparks appear, you can experiment with them.

Now you need to find such a cartridge.

And a suitable lamp, solder to the 7th contact wires extending from the cartridge. Screw the lamp into the cartridge and put it in an upright position.