Simple Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit

This post shows you how to build a flashing light using a special xenon tube stroboscope.

It uses just a few parts and plugs into a regular outlet 220V mains supply to make the light flash really bright!

This circuits is powered with high voltage which can be dangerous.

Seek the help of experts electricians.

This project is not recommended for beginners.

What is a Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit:

A Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit is an electronic circuit designed to generate high intensity strobe light flashes using a xenon gas discharge tube.

Stroboscopes are devices that produce short duration, high intensity bursts of light at regular intervals.

These devices are commonly used in various applications such as photography, industrial inspection and entertainment.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

A xenon tube stroboscope produces a high intensity light effect by flashing a xenon gas discharge tube with high voltage.

It is crucial to include a nylon shaft in potentiometer P1 to prevent contact with any metallic elements, as neglecting this precaution could be fatal.

The primary component of the device is the U shaped xenon gas discharge tube filled with xenon gas Xe, an inert gas.

The tube has an anode, cathode and an ignition grid.

Diodes D1 and D2 along with capacitors C1 and C2 form a voltage doubler increasing the DC voltage to approx 600V.

This voltage is applied across the tubes anode and cathode.

Despite xenon and other inert gases being poor conductors of electricity the 600V potential across the anode and cathode creates an electric field, leading to ionization of molecules and atoms near these electrodes.

Gaseous ions are attracted to the charged electrodes initiating a small pre conducting current.

To trigger and illuminate the tube a grid voltage of 5 to 10 kV is required obtained from the ignition transformer TR1.

For creating a high voltage across the secondary, the primary current is rapidly cut off using a silicon controlled rectifier SCR1.

Capacitor C3 charges rapidly when the voltage around C2 is 500V and the primary of TR1 is low resistance.

When the triggering diodes, D3 and D9 reach their limit the SCR is activated.

Capacitor C3 then discharges rapidly through the TR1 primary winding inducing a high voltage in the secondary causing the xenon tube to spark and produce intense illumination.

The rate of C3 charging and, consequently the triggering cycles of the xenon tube are determined by adjusting potentiometer P1.

Resistor R1 connected in the neutral line, acts as a current limiter.

Without R1, the fuse F1 would burn immediately, as the xenon tube in firing mode behaves like a practical short circuit.

The recommended xenon tube is of the 60 W/s type often supplied with an ignition transformer.

The anode is typically marked with a red dot.

Warning: The stroboscope circuit is directly connected to the AC mains making testing on the exposed system extremely hazardous.

Even after unplugging the device, capacitors may retain a lethal charge posing a risk of a painful shock.

Please make sure to use a potentiometer which has a plastic shaft and use a plastic knob on it.

Formulas:

Based on the voltage V_BO listed in the DIAC datasheet, a simple formula may be used to predict the firing voltage of a DIAC.

This voltage is usually closely correlated with the firing voltage V_f.

The formula for the firing voltage of a DIAC is:

V_f​ ≈ _VBO​

Where:

• V_f: is the firing voltage (voltage at which the DIAC conducts).
• V_BO:​ is the breakdown voltage of the DIAC.

Although manufacturing tolerances and operating circumstances can cause tiny variations in the firing voltage in reality, for the majority of applications, V_f can be roughly equivalent to V_BO.

How to Build:

Building a high intensity mains powered xenon tube stroboscope circuit involves assembling the components and following proper safety precautions.

Safety First:

• Disconnect the circuit from the power source.
• Confirm that all capacitors are discharged.

Assembly:

• Place the xenon gas discharge tube with its anode, cathode and ignition grid according to the circuit diagram.
• Attach a nylon shaft to potentiometer P1.

Diode and Capacitor Connection:

• Connect diodes D1, D2, D3 and D9 as well as capacitors C1, C2 and C3 as per the circuit diagram.
• These form the voltage doubler and charging components.

Voltage Boost:

• The voltage doubler boosts the DC voltage to approximately 600V.
• Ensure proper connections and component values.

Transformer Connection:

• Connect the ignition transformer TR1 to the circuit.
• This transformer provides the necessary grid voltage 5 to 10kV to trigger and light up the xenon tube.

SCR Integration:

• Integrate the silicon controlled rectifier SCR1into the circuit.
• This component helps in creating a high voltage across the secondary by cutting off the primary current quickly.

potentiometer Adjustment:

• Adjust potentiometer P1 to control the charging rate of capacitor C3 determining the triggering cycles of the xenon tube.

Current Limiter:

• Connect resistor R1 in the neutral line to act as a current limiter preventing immediate burning of fuse F1 when the xenon tube is in firing mode.

Final Checks:

• Double check all connections, ensuring they match the circuit diagram.
• Confirm that component values are correct.

Testing:

• After the circuit is assembled carefully plug it into the mains.
• Observe the xenon tube for proper flashing and illumination.

Safety Precautions during Testing:

• Avoid touching any parts of the circuit while it is powered.
• Use appropriate safety gear.

Troubleshooting:

• If there are issues disconnect the power immediately and recheck connections and component values.

Note:

• Remember that building and testing high voltage circuits can be dangerous.
• If you are not experienced with such projects seek assistance from someone with expertise in electronics.
• Always prioritize safety during the entire process.

Conclusion:

In conclude, a Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit is a specialized electronic circuit that utilizes a xenon gas discharge tube to produce short intense bursts of light.

The circuit components work together to create the conditions necessary for ionization of xenon gas and the subsequent generation of high intensity flashes at regular intervals.

References:

Stroboscope

Datasheet SCRC106