small spark generator

ScottM · 2012-05-19T21:36:21+00:00

I need to generate sparks between two pieces of brass, about a halfinch apart or slightly more. I want each spark to be triggered by alogic line going high (going low would work, too.) The voltage supplyis 6v or 12v from a battery. The problem is that I need the circuit tofit inside a 1.5" inside diameter PVC pipe, and not take up more than,say, 3" of the pipe length, discounting battery. I was looking atautotransformers, but I'm not finding anything that will fit in thatspace. I don't need more than 1-2 sparks a second, but I want thecircuit to be reliable. Can anyone suggest a circuit design that fitsin a small space like this?I'm aware of the safety risks in generating a voltage high enough tocross 1/2" of air, and the spark won't be anywhere that a finger canget into it. If it wasn't for the voltages involved, I'd tinkersomething up by trial and error, but in this case I don't like thepossible consequences of "error", so I'd rather get expert advice. I'mwilling to wind my own transformer if that's needed. Thanks!