A nice Surplus item to make a Neutron Detector Power Supply
Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2017 5:31 pm
I obtained a nice surplus item - a 6 Kilo-volt triggering system. While I haven't as yet checked to see if the x-formers work, those components are not critical - so if the HV x-former doesn't function, I already have a larger working version so this will not be an issue. I do like the added step-down/filament x-former, fuse and power cord and that all these systems are already wired together (removing the vacuum tube and bridging will be easy.) I bought this item because I liked the case and HV coaxial feed-thru's, the 6 kV cap and the power cord/step-down x-former all wired in a circuit. (shipping cost more than the item - it is ancient by our standards and was posted as not known whether it still functioned (helps knowing this when making an offer - take note newbie's; most these items can be had for much lower price since most people don't want items that don't necessarily work but for parts, can be a steal having expensive items that do work.)
If the high voltage x-former works (looks in good shape), that will just be a nice extra.
I will remove the 'switching' vacuum tube, install a higher rated resistor inline with the output of the cap, and use this as my new neutron detector power supply. This small x-former will draw far less current so I will be able to convert this to battery power - I have a better inverter, too. The existing high voltage digital supply I have requires too much current for a battery to run it. And while it appears steady, it is a lethal supply and I would like to down grade the power somewhat (not that the cap isn't lethal but it will all be fully enclosed and have a bleed resistor and the output wire will first be fed thru a 100 mega-watt resistor so, the output should be safe.)
This will be my next project for the weekend; if my fusor repairs hold up, I will also fire up the fusor (for neutrons.) Finally, if all this is successful, I will also check to see if I can get my He-3 tube working again.
Aside: the strange "coil" in the front of the case in the lower pic is some type of 'long-wire' delay system, I suspect. Nice Plexiglas tube so, useful, too for other projects. I will extract a few extra components for other possible projects - I build up strange but useful equipment in this manner. Aside to newbie's: always salvage parts - don't throw them away because they can prove valuable later.
The vac tube (even if it works) is of no current use to me. I have no real way to test it nor any interest to do that but again, will save it. I will, this weekend, test the HV x-former system (after I add a bleed resistor to that cap! Always try and think about safety - another important point for people new to HV systems; one careless lapse in judgement can be fatal so try and think ahead and do the extra steps to ensure one is safe.)
If the high voltage x-former works (looks in good shape), that will just be a nice extra.
I will remove the 'switching' vacuum tube, install a higher rated resistor inline with the output of the cap, and use this as my new neutron detector power supply. This small x-former will draw far less current so I will be able to convert this to battery power - I have a better inverter, too. The existing high voltage digital supply I have requires too much current for a battery to run it. And while it appears steady, it is a lethal supply and I would like to down grade the power somewhat (not that the cap isn't lethal but it will all be fully enclosed and have a bleed resistor and the output wire will first be fed thru a 100 mega-watt resistor so, the output should be safe.)
This will be my next project for the weekend; if my fusor repairs hold up, I will also fire up the fusor (for neutrons.) Finally, if all this is successful, I will also check to see if I can get my He-3 tube working again.
Aside: the strange "coil" in the front of the case in the lower pic is some type of 'long-wire' delay system, I suspect. Nice Plexiglas tube so, useful, too for other projects. I will extract a few extra components for other possible projects - I build up strange but useful equipment in this manner. Aside to newbie's: always salvage parts - don't throw them away because they can prove valuable later.
The vac tube (even if it works) is of no current use to me. I have no real way to test it nor any interest to do that but again, will save it. I will, this weekend, test the HV x-former system (after I add a bleed resistor to that cap! Always try and think about safety - another important point for people new to HV systems; one careless lapse in judgement can be fatal so try and think ahead and do the extra steps to ensure one is safe.)