How to build a simple, efficient, 16w 12v fluorescent inverter with AC output.

This inverter will drive any fluorescent lamp between 8w and 20w but works best with 16w tubes. It preheats the electrodes and keeps them heated while running. This inverter can be dimmed by reducing the input voltage e.g a pulse width modulator with smoothing capacitor. In this instructable I will show you how to build one of these inverters.

Step 1 The Schematic Diagram

Troubleshoot:

The electrode connected to the secondary is not heating.
Increase the value of C3.

The electrode connected to the transistor is not heating.
Decrease the value of R3. If this does not fix the problem replace Q3.

Little or no output and lots of heat, drawing lots of current.
Decrease the value of C2 and shorten air gap in core (transformer covered in next step), check feedback winding polarity. If this does not fix the problem replace Q1 and Q2.

Lamp fails to strike at 12v input, ends glowing brightly.
Decrease the value of C4.

Comments

[ARJOON]

winding the transformer makes me live in agony

[jonathanmlang]

Well I thought that too until I thought of using a standard drill clamped in a vice sideways with a wire bobbin placed over a screw in the work bench. Much easier!

Put a long screw through the transformer bobbin with washers at both sides then place a nut on the end but DON'T tighten it too much of your transformer bobbin may split! Place the protruding end of the screw in the drill and begin winding!

[ARJOON]

yeah i've been using this method for some time. but still... i find it difficult to do. i prefer the long hand wound method. it gives best results. but if i have over 200turns i use the drill method