Simple Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit

This post shows 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 electrical circuit that uses a xenon gas discharge tube to produce bright strobe light flashing.

Stroboscopes are devices that generate short intense flashing of light at regular intervals.

These devices are used for number of purposes including photography, industrial inspection and entertainment.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

A xenon tube stroboscope creates a high intensity light effect by flashing a xenon gas discharge tube at high voltage.

Potentiometer P1 must have a nylon shaft to avoid contact with any metallic elements if avoided to do so it might cost to be deadly.

The devices main component is a U-shaped xenon gas discharge tube filled with xenon gas which is an inert gas.

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

Diodes D1 and D2 coupled with capacitors C1 and C2 form a voltage doubler increases the DC voltage to around 600V.

This voltage is placed across the tubes anode and cathode pins.

Despite the fact that xenon and other inert gases are poor electrical conductors the 600V potential across the anode and cathode generates an electric field that causes ionization of molecules and atoms at these electrodes.

Gaseous ions are drawn to the charged electrodes causing a modest pre conducting current.

To activate and start the tube the ignition transformer TR1 must provide a grid voltage of 5 to 10 kV.

To generate a high voltage across the secondary a silicon controlled rectifier SCR1 quickly cuts off the primary current.

When the voltage at C2 is 500V and TR1s main resistor is low capacitor C3 charges quickly.

The SCR becomes active when both triggering diodes D3 and D9 exceed their limits.

Capacitor C3 then discharges fast through the TR1 primary winding creating a high voltage in the secondary causing the xenon tube to spark and provide bright light.

The pace of C3 charge and hence the triggering cycles of the xenon tube is adjusted by adjusting the potentiometer P1.

Resistor R1 in the neutral line serves as a current limiter.

Without R1 the fuse F1 would light up quickly as the xenon tube in firing mode acts as a practical short circuit.

The suggested xenon tube is the 60 W/s range which is commonly supplied with an ignition transformer.

A red dot is commonly used to indicate the anode.

Warning: Because the stroboscope circuit is directly linked to the AC mains testing the live circuit can be extremely dangerous.

Even after disconnecting the device its capacitors may still carry a deadly charge creating a danger of uncomfortable shock.

Please use a potentiometer with a plastic shaft and a plastic knob.

Formulas:

The firing voltage of a DIAC is calculated using a simple formula that uses the voltage VBO is provided in the DIAC datasheet.

This voltage often connects with the firing voltage Vf.

The formula for calculating the firing voltage of a DIAC is given below:

V_f​ = _VBO​

Where:

• Vf represents the firing voltage at which the DIAC conducts.
• VBO is the DIACs breakdown voltage.

Though manufacturing limitations and working conditions can cause minor changes in firing voltage for the most part but Vf can be almost identical to VBO.

How to Build:

To build a Simple Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit following the below steps for connections process:

Safety First:

• For the safety purpose 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.
• Connect 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 increases the DC voltage to around 600 volts.
• One should check for the right connections and component values.

Transformer Connection:

• Connect the ignition transformer TR1 to the circuit.
• This transformer provides the required grid power (5 to 10kV) to activate and light the xenon tube.

SCR Integration:

• Insert the silicon controlled rectifier SCR1 into the circuit.
• This component assists in the formation of a high voltage across the secondary by rapidly shutting off the primary current.

Potentiometer Adjustment:

• Adjust potentiometer P1 to adjust the charging rate of capacitor C3 which controls the xenon tubes triggering cycle.

Current Limiter:

• Connect resistor R1 to the neutral wire to operate as a current limiter keeping fuse F1 from burning immediately when the xenon tube is running.

Final checks:

• Verify all connections to ensure they match the circuit schematic.
• Confirm that the component values are proper.

Testing:

• After assembling the circuit carefully connect it to the mains.
• Check the xenon tube for correct flashing and lighting.

Safety Precautions for Testing:

• While the circuit is switched ON avoid touching any of its components.
• Use the proper safety equipment.

Troubleshooting:

• If there are any problems turn OFF the power immediately and look at the connections and component values.

Note:

• Remember that creating and testing high voltage circuits can prove risky.
• In case have no experience with such projects get help from an electronics expert.
• Always focus on safety throughout the entire process.

Conclusion:

A Xenon Tube Stroboscope Circuit is an adjusted electrical circuit that uses a xenon gas discharge tube to generate lightning of fast flashing of light.

The circuit components work to create the conditions required for xenon gas ionization and then the formation of high intensity flashing on a regular basis.

References:

Stroboscope

Datasheet SCRC106