Camera Flash Capacitor HACK (old But Still Works)
by Fearce1 in Circuits > Electronics
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Camera Flash Capacitor HACK (old But Still Works)
How to construct a shocking device using the capacitor in a disposable camera that has a flash tube.
Take It Apart!
Before thinking of taking apart the camera it would be a wise idea to make sure it is in working condition and has a flash tube.
Turn the camera on then take a picture or set off the flash and quickly turn off the camera off (This is to reduce the chance of you getting shocked while attempting to take apart the camera by discharging the capacitor).
Find out how the camera is held together via screws, form lock (basically snaps together).You may need a screwdriver for this and a pair of Rubber Gloves.
Believe me you don't want to get an unexpected shock when taking the camera apart. -=x
Once open the inside should look simular to the photo below.
Find the Capacitor
Once you have taken apart the camera (very carefully) find the capacitor
Look at the photos .. Do you see the same parts inside your camera...? You should!
Ok, Look at the photo and compair to the parts list:
A: Battery compartment.
B: PhotoLens.
C: Circuit board used to charge the capacitor.
D: Fash Tube.
E: Capacitor (usualy 330v - 360v)
Just find "E" (The capacitor) in the camera & then find the wires that connect the capacitor.
After that (Make sure your gloves are on!) then take a metal screwdriver with a PLASTIC HANDLE and touch the two points on top of the capacitor to discharge it.
Becarefull!! the capacitor prongs will spark and make a loud "SNAP" sound (while greatly charged) when this is done.
So don't have it to close to your face/ears/eyes or anything without protection.
Tap Into the CAP!
That capacitor you have been looking at now for 2 minutes (estimated time) is all you need to TAP into.
The two wires connecting the capacitor to the Flash tube (on some models) or circuit board are the ones you want.
(Don't cut these from the circuit board leave them intact)
Simply get some insulated wire, (I used some from a phone line, Works perfect! it's not threaded all solid.)
Those two prongs of the capacitor where the wires connect is where you want to connect your wires.
Solder them or just twist them together.
BUT BE SURE NOT TO CONNECT THE TWO POINTS (+ and -)
AT ANY TIME!
(If the cap is charged you're Shocked!)
One wire connects to the Positive Contact and the other connects the the Negative contact.
I twisted my wires around each of the contacts on top of the capacitor, then used hotglue to secure them in place as so they would not come in contact with each other when I put the camera back together.
You can take a pair of wire snips to cut a small hole in the side of the camera so as to allow the wires to extend out of the plastic case when your finished attaching them to your capacitor.
(The photos of the camera you see are NOT of a disposable camera but it works just the same. I only used it for an example. Basically any camera with a flash tube should work.)
PLEASE NOTE:
There are plenty of other more detailed instructables out there I'm well aware of that. If this Instructable is not up to par for your needs then feel free to search for others that are.
This Instructable was made yrs ago. I am just recently publishing it because it has just been collecting digital dust on Instructables servers.If this "ible" is of any use GREAT if not then I encourage you to search the vast ocean of other Instructables available. A site like this is priceless in regards to DIY'ers like me.