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Can the 12 Power Inverter for CCFL work as a bug zapper? — Parallax Forums

Can the 12 Power Inverter for CCFL work as a bug zapper?

Jorge PJorge P Posts: 385
edited 2011-12-01 08:34 in General Discussion
I came across some schematics for bug zappers and I'm curious as to whether or not the 12 Inverter can be used to supply the zapping grid as well as the CCFL ? Also would like to know how to wire the grid, nothing on how the grid should be constructed in the schematics. http://www.google.com/search?q=schematics+bug+zapper has several sites that gave me the idea.

Comments

  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2011-11-29 12:31
    The grid is usually 2 parallel wires wound around several insulating posts. The posts are notched to keep the wires aligned and separated so they do not short together. The 660VAC from the inverter may provide enough current to kill the bugs, but you may have to add a resistor, diode, and capacitor to if it does not. The capacitor would provide enough current to zap them, the resistor would limit the capacitor charging current, and the diode would rectify the AC. Keep in mind all these components would need to be rated for 900 - 1000V
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-11-29 13:36
    For $3.49, save your inverter! :)

    http://www.harborfreight.com/electronic-fly-swatter-40122.html
  • Jorge PJorge P Posts: 385
    edited 2011-11-30 13:41
    @kwinn
    Thanks for the reminder of the component ratings.

    @erco
    I've seen videos of those on YouTube, I'd like to get a few of them. Thanks for the link. They look like a nice way to get the bugs while in flight instead of waiting for them to land.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2011-11-30 14:16
    Just to let you know, these items are End Of Life at Parallax; so they will not be available any more.

    There are 0 available, (sold out)
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,259
    edited 2011-11-30 21:26
    @Jorge P: They work great and it's actually quite fun to zap them midair. Burnt housefly is an acquired smell... :P
  • bsnutbsnut Posts: 521
    edited 2011-12-01 01:47
    Thanks for posting that schematic site Jorg. There are a lot of helpful schematics including the Bug Zapper.
  • Jorge PJorge P Posts: 385
    edited 2011-12-01 08:34
    @Publison
    I bought a few of the CCFL inverters about a year ago, I bought them to add some lights to a friend of mines cabin deep in the woods, It attracted some unwanted bugs so he had me take them out. So I really have no use for them except maybe a fun project like a bug zapper. But after some research, I think I will just buy one from the link erco posted.

    I suppose they are not a top selling item for parallax to sell/produce, maybe they will make their own propeller powered bug zapper with the design in the future. It would be sort of neat to keep a count of how many bugs get zapped in a night. I'll hold on the the inverters for spring/summer next year.
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