In this article, the author of the YouTube channel "KREOSAN" will tell you how he and his friends made a graphite arc searchlight with a capacity of about 4 kilowatts.
This homemade product is easy to manufacture, but requires safety precautions. Powerful Li-ion batteries are used to power it.
Materials
- Graphite contacts from a trolley bus
- Old satellite dish
- Mirror film ORACAL self-adhesive
- ShVVP wire 2 * 1,5.
Instruments, used by the author.
- 55 volt battery
- Terminals from the welding machine
- Power meter.
Manufacturing process.
So, the guys started making the main part of the spotlight from graphite contacts. They can be found at the end stations of trolley buses - they are simply thrown away as they wear out.
They also found a battery from an electric bicycle with an operating voltage of more than 50 volts.
The current will be measured with such a device. A pair of terminals from the welding machine were connected to the ends of the wires.
It is important that they use a wire coil as ballast in order to avoid a short circuit.
At the first attempts to ignite the arc, a power of about three kilowatts was obtained. And the resulting arc, in addition to very bright light, also produces very strong thermal radiation.
In the following attempts, it was possible to achieve a power of 4.5 kilowatts. The ends of the graphite bars do not cool down immediately.
It was decided to use a satellite dish glued with Oracal reflective film as a reflector.
And instead of the receiving head, graphite bars with a mixing handle were installed. It’s easier to adjust the distance between their ends, and to control the arc.
A powerful bright beam was obtained almost immediately. Focusing was no problem.
The edges of the electrodes practically do not burn, but they get very hot.
And thermal radiation is felt even at a great distance. You can see how the plasma escapes from the electrodes.
For night tests, the plate with the emitter was mounted on an electric bike. Instead of the headlights. Here is such a powerful beam.
Then a little ride around the night city.
Then they shone on high-rise buildings - the beam is well focused, and it shines even brighter than the sun.
These are the fun experiments the guys do.
Thanks to the author for the simple but extremely interesting idea of a super-powerful flashlight!
All good mood, good luck, and interesting ideas!