Where to find a 2,000v transformer? (bug zapper)

Kyosho · Post by **Kyosho** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:48 pm

Well, 2,000 or higher...

I'm building a bug zapper. I'm having problems with gnats in my apartment. I've done everything to get rid of them I could, but they're still around from time to time. Instead of resorting to chemicals and things, I thought it'd be fun to build a bug zapper. I've always thought they were cool. I've got a really, extremely simple design worked out to make one. I just need a transformer.

Does anyone know of a regular household item that would have one that I could gut for it? The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is a microwave. But I'm not sure of the voltage, nor anything else. I just happen to have a spare microwave. Though I don't exactly want to use it. Is there anything else that might have one?

atari2600a · Post by **atari2600a** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:51 pm

Any CRT monitor has a transformer of at least a couple thousand volts.

Kyosho · Post by **Kyosho** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:54 pm

Hmm. Yeah, I thought that'd be an option too. Don't have a monitor/tv I can use at the moment. But if there's nothing else, I could probably find a really crappy one for cheap. Or a broken one. Heh.

ATOMICMAN · Post by **ATOMICMAN** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:23 pm

microwaves or neon signs also

be careful with such transformers because some of the objects they are contained within could have some big time capacitors and can hold thier charge for a very long time. caps that i have found in crts can melt screwdrivers so imagine what they could do to your hand...

the transformer in a microwave should be anywhere from 1k volts to 5k volts with about 500 ma or so which can be lethal in certain situations but they will not just kill gnats but disinigrate them. just be real careful with it. oh and dont place it near anything sensitive to electromagnetic radiation like computers and other sensitive electronics.

Sir Games-A-Lot · Post by **Sir Games-A-Lot** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:27 pm

I thought bug zappers only work with moth's, since they are atracted to the light (just what I always heard)

atari2600a · Post by **atari2600a** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:33 pm

Flies are attracted to light also. (I think...)

ATOMICMAN · Post by **ATOMICMAN** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:37 pm

atari2600a wrote:Flies are attracted to light also. (I think...)

most flying bugs are