40W Fluorescent Lamp Inverter

Schematic

Parts

Part Total Qty. Description Substitutions R1 1 180 Ohm 1W Resistor R2 1 47 Ohm 1/4W Resistor R3 1 2.2 Ohm 1W Resistor (only needed once) C1, C2 2 100uF 16V Electrolytic Capacitor C3 1 100nF Ceramic Disc Capacitor Q1 1 TIP 3055 or 2N3055 or equivalent L1 1 See "Notes" T1 1 See "Notes" MISC 1 Wire, Case, Board, Heatsink For Q1, heatshrink, AM antenna rod for coil#

Notes

1. Email Bart Milnes with questions, comments, etc.
2. Wind L1/T1. You will need an AM antenna rod that is about 60mm (2.5 inches) long to wind T1/L1 on. T1/L1 are wound on the same core. Shrink a layer of heatshrink over the core to insulate it. Leave 50mm of wire at each end of the coils.
   Primary: Wind 60 turns of 1mm diameter enamelled copper wire on the first layer and put a layer of heatshrink over it.
   Feedback: Wind 13 turns of 0.4mm enamelled copper wire on the core and then heatshrink over that.
   Secondary: This coil has 450 turns of 0.4mm enamelled copper wire in three layers. Wind one layer and then heatshrink over it. Do the same for the next two.
   
3. Calibrate/test the circuit. To calibrate/set up the circuit connect the 2.2 Ohm 1W resistor (R3) in series with the positive supply. Connect a 40W fluorescent tube to the high voltage ends of the transformer. Momentarily connect power. If the tube doesn't light immediately reverse the connections of L1. If the tube still doesn't work, check all connections. When you get the tube to light remove the 2.2 ohm resistor and the circuit is ready for use. You will not need R3 again.
4. This circuit is designed for 220V lamps. It will work with 120V units just fine, but will shorten the life of the tube.
5. This page has been extensively rewritten by Bart Milne. (15/3/01)