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How do you increase the amps from a joule thief?

          I'm working on a project using the joule thief circuit and when I put multiple LEDs in parallel they all get really dim. Is there anyway I can increase the amps going to the LEDs so they can all shine brightly?                                                                                                                                                                                       I was thinking a more powerful transistor or a larger transformer toroid with more windings. Any suggestions?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a link to the circuit diagram:                                                                                                                     http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/joulethief                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Thanks!

10 answers
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Oct 7, 2010. 10:54 AMRe-design says:
You're pulling power out of a "dead" battery. Anything you do to pull more power may just make it quit working since the battery can't put out much power. But you might be able to make the circuit more efficient by using a better toroid or wire. If you can't do the math then you'll have to just experiment and see if you can make it better.
Oct 7, 2010. 11:51 AMARJOON says:
use a resistor for each led 20ma each.
make sure that the your toroid is well winded.
transister won't matter unles you want more thant 15-20leds.

take care

M
Oct 7, 2010. 2:58 PMsteveastrouk says:
+lots. Fed up of seeing this question. Its bordering on attempting perpetual motion.
Oct 7, 2010. 6:37 PMfrollard says:
so...can I make a joule thief work without the battery? :) (/satire)
Oct 8, 2010. 12:07 AMsteveastrouk says:
Yes, we can stick dissimilar metal spikes....somewhere dark and inhospitable....
Oct 8, 2010. 12:25 AMfrollard says:
I can't find any toroids. Can I use a plastic ring I have instead?
Oct 8, 2010. 5:06 PMfrollard says:
best reply evar. win. one free internets too.
Oct 7, 2010. 12:20 PMlemonie says:

More power-in for a start.

L

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