Variable Cheap High Voltage Power Supply

Build a regulated high voltage power supply for capacitor charging or another high voltage application. This project can cost less than $15 and you will be able to obtain upwards of 1000V and be able to adjust the output from 0-1000V+.

This instructable is for those with excellent electronic safety knowledge.


This device can easily KILL you as well as explode. BE VERY RESPONSIBLE AND BE VERY VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DIE, it is usually a bad thing.


This device is notsafe without protection. Please at a minimum always wear Gloves and Safety Glasses when working on and with the device.

SAFETY:

1. ELECTRICIAN GLOVES

2. SAFETY GLASSES

ANY TIME YOU WORK WITH MAINS VOLTAGE YOU NEED TO ALWAYS HAVE AN ISOLATION TRANSFORMER OR VARIAC.


Voltage Multiplier Parts:

- Stranded Wire (18-22 gauge)
- High Voltage Capacitors (>330V, >120uF)
- 1000V 6A Diodes (6 for 1000V output)(you can use diodes rated at 400V 6A and up if disired)
- Wall Plug
- 120VAC 16A SPST Switch

Regulator Parts:

- 9-14VDC 1A plug in Transformer (you can just use a 9V Battery if a transformer is not on hand)
- Two small protoboards (One is optional for the voltage multiplier)
- LM7805 Voltage Regulator
- LM393 Comparator (or LM1393)
- 12VDC 30A Relay
- 8 pin DIP IC Socket
- Transistor (3904 or better)
- 1 diode (100V 1A) (IN4001)
- 2 small capacitors (.01-.1uF)(can be obtained from disposale cameras)(optional)
- 2 LED Indicator lights(optional, can be obtained from disposale cameras)
- Resistors
- See step 2 for resistor details

• Most of the parts listed can be obtained at Amazon or Ebay.
• Electronic Parts can be found at Mouser.com.
• I got my protoboards at www.mpja.com
• The Relay at www.goldmine-elec.com for only $1.25, works great
• I got the transformer for harbor freight.

WEAR ELECTRICIAN GLOVES, BUY THEM, WEAR THEM.

_____________________________________________________________

VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR MORE PROJECTS: FUTURE EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEMS

Step 1: Voltage Multiplier

The Voltage Multiplier can be made separately without the regulator if necessary. The first step is to put the capacitors together. Use larger capacitance to maximize the voltage reached and regulator functioning. If you want to mount yours on a protoboard just slide in and solder you capacitors in place. If a protoboard is not desired, simply tape or glue them together. Solder your diodes on according to the schematic below.

It is important that you test your voltage multiplier before you hook it up to your regulator.

Step 2: Voltage Regulator

The Voltage Regulator will take a bit more time than the multiplier but once done it will be well worth it. Test the basic schematic on a breadboard before you make a permanent arrangement if you find it necessary. After you have tested it just solder all of the components in place following the schematic and picture.

Resistor values:

Values for 6 Capacitor/Diode Multipliers:
R1-1K
R2-100-500
RL2-RL3-1K
RA-3M(3x1M)
RB-11K
VR1-10K Variable Resistor

If you wish to have a higher or lower output voltage the resistances will need to be different. Or if you have different valued resistors for RA or RB.
Use the following equations to figure out your values.

Min resistance = (HV*HV)/(total resistor power rating in Watts)

RA/RB = .2*(HV-5)

Where HV is the output voltage of the multiplier
Resistors need to be rated for HV

Step 3: Putting It All Together

Put it in a container or box and just finish it all up.

WARNING
- NEVER TOUCH THE OUTPUT LEADS (the capacitors can still be charged even after shut-off, and yes it can kill you. Buy Electrician Gloves)
- NEVER SHORT THE MULTIPLIER OUTPUT LEADS (The capacitors will explode!!, no joke)
- THIS PROJECT IS VERY DANGEROUS, BE SAFE AND LABEL YOUR SUPPLY, WARN PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSE.

I take no responsibility for you shocking, hurting, or otherwise acting stupid around this device. BE SMART!!

Oh, and have fun :)