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• Transformer specifications
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  Do you have more information about the transformer? Any information about the primary windings, secondary windings, or possible suppliers?

  Posted by jsarik on January 28, 2010 at 21:14:40 Pacific Time

• Transformer specifications
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  It's a 10:1 step-up transformer (I just corrected the listing to say this above, apologies for the error). As for sources, I'm not sure-- I used one bought at RadioShack a long time ago, since discontinued. But I'm guessing/hoping that the HVT-03 Mini Step-Up Transformer from Images Scientific might work-- here's the page, scroll down:
  http://www.imagesco.com/high-voltage/transformers.html
  

  Posted by pspinrad on February 17, 2010 at 15:24:00 Pacific Time

• Transformer specifications
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  The transformer I used was Radio Shack
  Audio Output Transformer
  Model: EI-19 | Catalog #: 273-1380
  
  This transformer is available from Radio Shack's online store for about $3.00. Other transformers should work well if it can take a 9 volt signal and step it up to 100 to 120 volts
  
  Dr Glowire

  Posted by Dr Glowire on February 17, 2010 at 18:51:11 Pacific Time

• transformer
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  I see from the article that the frequency is 400 - 2Khz. Aircraft electrical systems run at 400hz. There are lots of mil surplus 400hz transformers around and they're cheap because they can't be used as power transformers for 60hz. You would need to choose the appropriate voltage ratio.
  Another option is a small Hammond audio transformer. Hammond has a range of relatively cheap radio replacement transformers with tapped secondaries for different winding ratios. An audio transformer - even a cheaply made one - will easily handle tha tfrequency range.

  Posted by BAUHAUSLER on February 19, 2010 at 18:52:13 Pacific Time

• transformer
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  Another option is a small sound distribution speaker matching transformer. You want one designed for a '25V line'. Connect to the '1 Watt into 8 Ohms' connection and the voltage ratio is about 10:1. That should be a very cheap transformer.
  I'm developing a tube amp circuit right now so my head is full of inductors...

  Posted by BAUHAUSLER on February 19, 2010 at 18:59:58 Pacific Time

• transformer
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  There are other el wire out there now that have multiple colors built into them. This would be a great application for that.

  Posted by Electric Feel on March 01, 2010 at 20:22:33 Pacific Time

• Transformer
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  Looking at the circuit again, that doesn't really need to be a 2-winding transformer, does it? No primary/secondary isolation is needed. An autoformer should work fine in applications where it's not a problem having a little DC on the lightwire. Please correct me if I've misinterpreted this.
  Regarding audio transformers, to get the required step up ratio of about 10:1 from a transformer with an 8 Ohm secondary, select one with a primary in the range of 600 - 1000 Ohms.
  Thx for the fun project!
  Ross Hershberger

  Posted by BAUHAUSLER on February 19, 2010 at 19:11:51 Pacific Time

• El Wire Circuit
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  I need help building this circuit on a breadboard. Can someone help me please? Thanks

  Posted by RHINO92 on November 20, 2010 at 11:42:08 Pacific Time

• Changing the Capacitors
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  You said in the article that changing the capacitors near the transformer will enable it to drive more. So if this circuit can drive 10' of wire, can I just ask in what way would I change the two capacitors if I wanted to drive, say, 50' of wire, or 100' of wire, etc.? Thanks!

  Posted by coolboarder44 on April 25, 2012 at 23:43:09 Pacific Time

• Changing the Capacitors
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  The driver and the lightwire are tuned to each other because they are reactive circuits involving capacitors and inductors. Increasing the capacitor increases the amount of lightwire that can be driven.
  
  I do not have the full specs on the properties of lightwire but it uses 100 milliamps per meter. Lightwire can be thought as a capacitor connected to the output of the transformer.

  Posted by Dr Glowire on June 04, 2012 at 15:38:18 Pacific Time

• Changing the Capacitors
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  Alright thanks! So I'm thinking that if I reduce the size the of the capacitors at the transformer, I should be able to drive more EL wire.

  Posted by coolboarder44 on June 29, 2012 at 10:00:51 Pacific Time