I have been planning to build the NiCad battery zapper in the attached plan http://www.atv-projects.com/NiCad_Zapper.html. However I have been unable to locate the specified transistors. BC212, bd132,bc182. How do I find something equivalent? I am a newb so I know this may be a dumb question. Does anyone have any better circuit design suggestions?

Thanks

 

In the old days we'd just charge a big cap up to 12V and use that.

 

BC212 - use 2N3906, 2N4403 or similar.
BD132 - use TIP32, MJD32 or similar.
BC182 - use 2N3904, 2N4401 or similar.

Capacitors work, but this kind of thing is definitely in the "grey area" for safety, so I hesitate to discuss it.

If you're going to attempt this kind of thing, then:
1) Wear safety glasses and other protective gear at all times while in the same room with this circuit when it is in operation.
2) Keep the battery being worked on in a suitable enclosure to contain any shrapnel that may likely result. A wooden cigar box is a likely candidate, as would be a 5-gallon paint bucket with the lid on loosely.