Induction coil interupter same as spark gap radio?

[MagnaProp]

Is the spark from an old time interrupter the same as a spark gap radio. Would it be illegal in the USA for me to make such an interrupter for an induction coil?

I know tasers are not illegal and don't qualify as spark gap radios because they aren't as powerful as induction coils but what about the spark from an interrupter that is being used in an induction coil setup?

Image has the part I am talking about circled in red.

[MagnaProp]

I find it interesting that all the old time energy tinkerer use spark gap interupters. What a convenient way to suppress new inovations by labeling spark gap radios as illegal. Makes it a little difficult to investigate high voltage tests if you want to experience what the old masters did. However, I digress and will just build a faraday cage if I start to see lots of sparks.

On a slightly related matter, I want to get off of the keyboard and start doing some actual experiments. I've used an oscilloscope many years ago but never a function generator to run a power supply.

I'm thinking of buying this white function generator/scope combo. I'm guessing it can be used as a pure scope and not just one that only shows the function wave forms but I'm not sure about that.

I'm having difficults finding tutorials online that show how to use a function generator to run a power supply. I just want to start out pulsing some coils to light LED's to start with. Can this function generator run my DC power supply or do I have to build a Badini circuit?

Attached is the black DC power supply I have.

[unimmortal]

If your signal generator can put out 4V, use it to switch an IRF540N with a 10k resistor tying gate to ground. Fastest and easiest way to get started switching power/coils.

[Jim Mac]

I find it interesting that all the old time energy tinkerer use spark gap interupters. What a convenient way to suppress new inovations by labeling spark gap radios as illegal. Makes it a little difficult to investigate high voltage tests if you want to experience what the old masters did. However, I digress and will just build a faraday cage if I start to see lots of sparks.

On a slightly related matter, I want to get off of the keyboard and start doing some actual experiments. I've used an oscilloscope many years ago but never a function generator to run a power supply.

I'm thinking of buying this white function generator/scope combo. I'm guessing it can be used as a pure scope and not just one that only shows the function wave forms but I'm not sure about that.

I'm having difficults finding tutorials online that show how to use a function generator to run a power supply. I just want to start out pulsing some coils to light LED's to start with. Can this function generator run my DC power supply or do I have to build a Badini circuit?

Attached is the black DC power supply I have.

That's the same cheap scope I have.  It does what I need.  I don't use the function generator part of it though. 

Just be careful with the grounds with that scope. If you connect it in a way which will allows current through the probes,  2 resistors inside blow out. And it's real tight to replace them.

For a function generator, I picked up a separate 2 channel one.  So I can import and make my own waves.  With 2 cheap bluetooth amplifiers, I can amplify the function generator's output to usable levels.

[MagnaProp]

Good to know thanks. I didn't know you can import files into some signal generators to customize your own. Looking into arbitrary waveform generators now as well. Thanks again.

[MagnaProp]

Let me know if this wiring diagram will work for pulsing an led with an induction coil.
If you think it would work, any suggestions for flyback diode value would be appreciated.

If your signal generator can put out 4V, use it to switch an IRF540N with a 10k resistor tying gate to ground. Fastest and easiest way to get started switching power/coils.

Thanks for the info. I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find an amp that just works with a function generator for less than 400$ so I'm going to try your suggestion.

[Jim Mac]

I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find an amp that just works with a function generator for less than 400$

I use these. They amplify my signal generator just fine.

   

Just have to make sure your coils are above 4Ω

[MagnaProp]

Thanks Jim Mac. I'll give that amp a try.

[unimmortal]

Let me know if this wiring diagram will work for pulsing an led with an induction coil.
If you think it would work, any suggestions for flyback diode value would be appreciated.

If your signal generator can put out 4V, use it to switch an IRF540N with a 10k resistor tying gate to ground. Fastest and easiest way to get started switching power/coils.

Thanks for the info. I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find an amp that just works with a function generator for less than 400$ so I'm going to try your suggestion.

I see the drawing you put up - that 10k resistor needs to go from gates to source (pin 1 to pin 3), which is also the negative on the battery. It's there to keep the transistor off when there is no gate voltage.

[magluvin]

that drain of the mosfet needs to go direct to the neg of the battery, not through the 10k resistor.
and the neg of the sig gen needs to go to the batt neg also.

mags