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Vacuum bug zapper! (Updated)

Vacuum bug zapper! (Updated)
Hello there,

This is a little bug-zapper that works with a computer FAN and a CCFL inverter.
The insects will get sucked-in and then get zapped by a 2kV arc :D
It's powered by a 9V battery and is easy to use. The compact design also makes it mobile.

A video of the zapper in action:
 
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Step 1Requirements

Requirements
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• a sheet of cardboard (or PVC pipe, better)
• cutter knife
• hot glue
• computer FAN
• CCFL inverter (paper scanner or screen back-light)
• a 9V battery
• a 9V battery holder (clip)
• some wires
• a push-button
• some bare wire
• electrical tape
• high voltage diode (3kV+) or three times 1N4006 or 1N4007
• high voltage capacitor (500v +) (somewhere between 60nF and 10nF, NOT HIGHER!)
(using a bigger capacitor won't harm the circuit, but it would become lethal).
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33 comments
Apr 9, 2012. 7:09 PMBrunoG says:
If the capacitor is rated for 500v and it produces 2kv arcs... You know whats the question...
Good project.
It is very cooooooooooooo,e+560,oooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!!
Mar 12, 2012. 9:01 PMgarrickhimself says:
Where can a conventional CCFL inverter like the one used here be bought on its own? I'm having a very hard time finding one and would prefer not to hunt around for a scanner.
Mar 13, 2012. 1:02 PMgarrickhimself says:
In the US. After I posted this comment I dug a little more and found that on ebay, you can find a "CCFL inverter tester" that is basically a standalone CCFL inverter that is used to troubleshoot display issues. It's shipping from Hong Kong so I won't get it until mid-next week, but if it looks like yours when I take it apart, I'll post another comment.

I'm a newbie when it comes to electronics and will be following your instructions almost verbatim, so I'll probably post a picture of it if I can't figure it out.
Mar 13, 2012. 3:10 PMgarrickhimself says:
The first link you posted is the one I bought. I saw it ran on a minimum of 9V so I figured that would be OK. Thanks for still actively supporting this instructable!
Dec 28, 2011. 7:16 PMskeetshooter11 says:
DANGER DANGER: use pvc rather than cardboard
Dec 5, 2011. 7:50 AManaveed1 says:
okay can i use the ballast off a fluroscene lamp rather than the ccfl inverter or a transformer ?
Dec 6, 2011. 10:06 PManaveed1 says:
and if i use a 230v transformer would it be enough ?
Nov 13, 2011. 6:13 PMKokor says:
True Mad Science!
Nov 10, 2011. 2:42 AMthe gadget dude says:
cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 9, 2011. 7:05 PMbuilding_boy says:
THIS IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOL!


THANX!
Nov 10, 2011. 2:36 AMthe gadget dude says:
dude try making a suck cannon that shoots whatever you suck with it and if you produce it i'll buy it of you
Nov 7, 2011. 7:14 AMEngineeringShock says:
Super cool! Got my vote =)
Nov 4, 2011. 10:54 AMAlex1M6 says:
That's awesome ( :
Nov 3, 2011. 11:04 PMahowell3 says:
Is there a reason you went for cardboard as opposed to something less flammable, such as a PVC pipe?
Nov 3, 2011. 8:31 AMmr.incredible says:
Neat. You might improve your "bug attraction" with a bug light or pheromones under the grid. I don't think the fan alone will catch much. Are you going to post some action video?

Your "Safety to the user" sounds like a little bit of experience. 8-D
Nov 3, 2011. 12:59 PMmr.incredible says:
I need actual death video...
Nov 3, 2011. 9:34 AMGrissini says:
I love that this warning is at the end of this ible. Let us know if anything catches fire! Great idea and cool project.

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Author:Electorials(My YouTube channel)
I'm really fascinated by science! From when I was young I've been curious about how stuff works and how I can create those things myself. Now I don't want to just learn things myself but I also want t...
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