Hi. I have a Multi Wave Oscillator / Lakhovsky Coil powered by a tesla coil modulated by a 555 timer circuit. It is no longer working and I am trying to ascertain why and as such seeking the help of some 555 knowledgable people. The entire unit is about 4 years old, but no longer supported by manufacturer as they have a newer design.
I have replaced several components but the modulating circuit still does not seem to work properly. I am assuming that it should produce a squarewave output to terminals J2 and J3 that connect to an older type oil filled ignition coil.
Components replaced
Both transistors
All 3 Electrolytics
NE555 with a cmos 555 then an LM 555
When the unit is on now, the spark gap has no spark occuring, there seems to be no output from the emitters of either transistors, and J3 has it seems a constant 12V output (when I presume it should oscillate).
Testing done:
All resistors test at values
All diodes test with unlimited resistance one way
I have only a standard multimeter that does not have frequency, true rms or capacitance.
Attached is the circuit diagram as best as I can draw it (it is on dual sided circuit board), a photo of the top and bottom of the circuit and a picture of the entire unit to see how things fit together. (Except the square type ignition coil is not connected in the photo. Although the square type coil is connected in parallel with the oil filled ignition coil, there is no output connected - it is to hold the capacitance in line with tesla principles, which I do not fully understand)
Could someone please review the circuit and let me know what the output should be at various points so that I can test with my meter to determine where it is broken?
Also if anyone with knowledge of Tesla coil circuits could recommend any improvements in the modulating circuit, eg: potentiometer to control frequency or square wave timing, that would also be welcome.
Thanks kindly in advance
Motiv8d
I have replaced several components but the modulating circuit still does not seem to work properly. I am assuming that it should produce a squarewave output to terminals J2 and J3 that connect to an older type oil filled ignition coil.
Components replaced
Both transistors
All 3 Electrolytics
NE555 with a cmos 555 then an LM 555
When the unit is on now, the spark gap has no spark occuring, there seems to be no output from the emitters of either transistors, and J3 has it seems a constant 12V output (when I presume it should oscillate).
Testing done:
All resistors test at values
All diodes test with unlimited resistance one way
I have only a standard multimeter that does not have frequency, true rms or capacitance.
Attached is the circuit diagram as best as I can draw it (it is on dual sided circuit board), a photo of the top and bottom of the circuit and a picture of the entire unit to see how things fit together. (Except the square type ignition coil is not connected in the photo. Although the square type coil is connected in parallel with the oil filled ignition coil, there is no output connected - it is to hold the capacitance in line with tesla principles, which I do not fully understand)
Could someone please review the circuit and let me know what the output should be at various points so that I can test with my meter to determine where it is broken?
Also if anyone with knowledge of Tesla coil circuits could recommend any improvements in the modulating circuit, eg: potentiometer to control frequency or square wave timing, that would also be welcome.
Thanks kindly in advance
Motiv8d
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