how it works..any idea

https://www.amazing1.com/star_wars_light_saber.htm#

any idea

look at the vacuum experiments
i think that explains that thing
http://www.kronjaeger.com/hv/

Halfway down the page is a link to a .zip file containging a pdf which explains how it works.

The system utilizes a high frequency, high voltage plasma power source that requires only one electrode or an external
capacitive electrode for input to the plasma display discharge tube. The external capacitive effect greatly reduces the cost
in producing this plasma tube as no internal electrode or glass to metal seals are required. Also eliminated are any
grounds or electrical returns as required in conventional systems. Ignition of the plasma discharge now appears to occur
extending outwardly into space without a return connection. In actuality high frequency electrical currents are flowing thru
the capacitive reactance of the plasma tube with the surroundings where the glass enclosure acts as the dielectric between
the two. The user, by hand contact to the control pads, forms the other plate of this virtual capacitor. a frequency of approximately 200 KHZ.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your helps
any idea for HV transformer output voltage?
Regards

My rough estimate is about 200V.
It takes about 100V to strike a neon.
The current will be under 1mA so voltage drop across the air capacitor and the body resistance of the person should be small.

what sort of neon are you talking about tiny neon bulb or neon tube? Have you any project like that

Hi,

I love things like this....I vaguely remember a while back, before the 'Star Wars revival' (ie: episodes I,II etc..) a company was infact claiming a 'real' light saber. Alas, they're all just ccfl tubes with different gases to give the different colours. Either that, or a cheap translucent tube with a bulb in the bottom. Either way, you wave it about, and not only will it break, but the ccfl tubes would smash, throw tiny bits of glass around, and release god knows what gases.

For a HV supply, I would try an inverter from an LCD monitor. They're fairly powerful and provide the 'strike-continuous' voltage for tubes. Plus, on ebay, they're going for a few $$. I imiagine these 'toys' are expensive because the tubes are custom made. Unless you're a good at working with glass/vacuum pumps/gases it'll be difficult to find a suitable tube ready-made.

'www.amazing1.com' are a fairly awesome company, I used to get some HV parts from there, and with some schems, made several bugs, laser snoopers etc... (when I was 12 or so) Although, it has to be said, they don't always live up to their advertising.

Not sure if this will help anyone, but hey, its worth a go,

BuriedCode.