[Laser] Sky illumination experiment

[wa4qal at ix.netcom.com]

> Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 08:38:48 -0700
> From: Kerry Banke <kbanke at qualcomm.com>
> Subject: RE: [Laser] Sky illumination experiment
> To: Free Space LASER Communications <laser at mailman.qth.net>
> Message-ID: <6.1.2.0.2.20050705083005.06cacd80 at qcmail1.qualcomm.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> 
> 
> 
> I'd like to eventually drive my florescent lights with a cheap DC/AC power 
> inverter.  Is anyone aware of a 150 or more watt inverter that has a 
> schematic available?  I want to modify the circuit to drive it with the 
> output from my laptop using Laserscatter or some other multi-tone 
> communication software.  I can also certainly use the amplifier approach 
> suggested by Tim which  will require a step up transformer or other 
> matching network.  At least that can be done without having a schematic of 
> the amp.
> Thanks -Kerry N6IZW -

Probably the simplest approach to an inverter is a pair of 2N3055 transistors
driving a center tapped filament transformer backwards, similar to this:

http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/inverter.htm

Of course, the size of the transformer may be the limiting factor.  I've
heard of some people rewinding old microwave oven transformers to
get inverter transformers of 500-750 Watt capacity or so.

Dave
WA4QAL