Where do I get...: microwave ovens
(Links generally point to photos)
The usual circuit of a microwave oven looks like this:
The cap C is charged to 3000V, so that at point (1), across D1,
voltage varies between 0V and -6000V with mains frequency. The heating
winding of Tr is isolated to withstand this voltage. I don't know the
function of D2, maybe protection from over-voltage?
Useful components are:
- The mains transformer Tr. With its output voltage of 2100Veff and
high power rating of 1000VA, it can be used to produce very nice
arcs. See 4kV mains transformer and sparks and arcs.
- The current-limiting pcb. You need some kind of switch-on current
limiting, or your fuse will very probably blow.
- The cap (1uF/2100Vac, i.e. 3kV peak) and diode D1 (6kV peak,
min. 0.5A) may be useful, especially some of them in series. Photo
WARNING: Never try to operate the magnetron outside the original case
. Microwave radiation of this power is really dangerous, it will
cook you.
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Jochen
Kronjaeger
Kronjaeg@stud-mailer.uni-marburg.de