Summary of High voltage supply (10-30kV) made from CRT television flyback transformer
This article describes a DIY high-voltage generator using a flyback transformer salvaged from an old CRT monitor. Operating at 9V input with 5W power consumption, the circuit generates 10-30kV output using two extracted transistors driven by a self-oscillating generator. The text includes critical safety warnings regarding high voltage, toxic gases, UV/X-ray exposure, fire hazards, and CRT implosion risks.
Parts used in the High Voltage Generator:
- Flyback transformer
- High voltage transistors (Q1 and Q2)
- Resistor R1
- Resistor R2
- Inductor L1
- Inductor L2
Old CRT monitor or TV is a great source of electronic components that can be used in DYI constructions. One of them is a flyback transformer that can provide 10-30kV output. The input voltage can be in a range from a couple of volts to over a dozen of volts, power consumption is a couple of watts. In my construction input voltage is 9V, power consumption is 5W.
A flyback transformer is driven by one or two transistors that should be also extracted from the same TV or monitor, those are high voltage transistors, that are hard to substitute and if bought separably can be expensive.
Waring! The device uses high voltage that can lead to injury or death when used inappropriately. Don’t touch it when power is on.
Waring! The device produces small amount of toxic ozone and nitrogen oxides, don’t use it in closed rooms.
Waring! The device produces small amount of UV rays and X rays, don’t look into the arc for a long period of time.
Waring! The device produces an arc that can ignite surrounding objects, don’t use it near to flammable substances.
Waring! Cathode ray tube present in CRT monitors or TVs can implode if physically damaged, be careful not to break or harm it during extraction of any electronic components like flyback transformer.
The electronic circuit
When current flows though L2 (Q1 is opened) then flyback transformer collects energy (as the magnetic field). When current stops flows (Q2 is closed) magnetic energy transforms into electric energy. Q1 opens and closes periodically because it’s base is driven by a generator made from R1, R2 and L1.
- What is the primary function of the flyback transformer in this project?
It provides a 10-30kV output from a low input voltage. - Can standard transistors substitute the ones extracted from the TV?
No, high voltage transistors are hard to substitute and expensive if bought separately. - What safety risks does the device produce when powered on?
It produces high voltage, toxic ozone, nitrogen oxides, UV rays, X rays, and arcs that can ignite objects. - How is the magnetic energy transformed into electric energy?
Magnetic energy transforms into electric energy when current stops flowing and Q2 closes. - What components make up the generator that drives Q1?
The generator is made from R1, R2, and L1. - What happens to the CRT if it is physically damaged during extraction?
The cathode ray tube can implode if physically damaged. - Is it safe to use this device in a closed room?
No, it produces small amounts of toxic ozone and nitrogen oxides which require ventilation. - What is the recommended input voltage for this specific construction?
The input voltage for this construction is 9V.
