On Aug 22, 2004, at 11:50 PM, Russell McMahon wrote:

>> (... a camera flash inverter will power some length of EL-wire if you
>> intercept it at the HVAC part. While drawing more than an Amp from
>> the 1.5V cell.)

> That suggests there is quite a load. Does the EL wire have a current
> spec. I thought El was quite low power.

No, that's just cause the Camera inverter does a lousy job delivering
low currents.  Although, you're making be doubt my measurements...  I
may have to check again.  The inverter transformer on those has a 6
turn primary...

I did some experiments that look promising using one of those circuits
designed to drive LEDs from 1.5V:
     http://www.elecdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/5886/5886.html

Switched the output transistor to the MPSA42 and played with assorted
inductors I have as well as the input supply voltage, while watching
things with a scope.  Had it driving a neon bulb just swell, so I'm on
the right track.  I did try to drive some elwire directly, but I think
I fried it by providing too much voltage in too short pulses.  (thus
explaining the separate inverter and EL H-bridge in conventional EL
panel inverters, I guess.  It looks like it'd be quite tough to get the
sort of waveform it likes at the same time as getting the right output
voltage.)

I guess I also need to decide to what extent I want/need to regulate
the voltage.  Sigh...

BillW

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