Make a taser out of a 555 a 2n3055

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences and memories of participants attempting to create a taser-like device using a 555 timer, a 2N3055 transistor, and other components. The scope includes personal anecdotes related to electronics experimentation during adolescence, with a focus on safety and the evolution of such practices over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls wanting to build a taser using a 555 timer and a 2N3055 transistor, along with a high current relay and step-up transformers, limited to parts from Radio Shack.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that testing such a device would have been exciting.
  • A different participant expresses concern about the potential dangers of such devices, suggesting that it could be considered a cruel toy.
  • One participant shares a similar childhood experience of trying to create a shocking device using a small ignition coil and a relay, noting the minimal effect it had and reflecting on the safety concerns of today.
  • Another participant reminisces about the ease of obtaining dangerous materials like dynamite in their youth, contrasting it with current regulations on items like firecrackers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share a general sense of nostalgia and humor about their past experiments, but there is a divergence in views regarding the safety and appropriateness of such devices, with some expressing concern while others reflect on their experiences without apprehension.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference limitations in available materials and safety standards that have evolved over time, indicating a dependence on specific components and a lack of formal safety measures in their past experiments.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electronics, personal anecdotes related to DIY projects, and discussions on safety in experimentation may find this thread engaging.

thankz
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when I was young I wanted to make a taser out of a 555 a 2n3055 and a high current relay (a chopper power supply I saw from 1950 car radios using tubes) connected to a few step up transformers. :rolleyes:

I was limited to parts from radio shack and forrest mimms mini engineer booklets.:DD
 
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It seems you would have gotten a kick from it once you tested it.
 
Makes me shudder to think what kids would likely do with such a cruel toy.

Maybe thread should be in 'random thoughts' ?
 
That's funny. I tried the same thing at a similar age with a very small ignition coil and a relay that was wired through it's own contacts to buzz powered by a 9 volt battery. I got a very small tickle out of it at best. I actually brought it to school. Today if a kid was caught with that the bomb squad would be called in. I wired my sisters bedroom door to know what time she snuck in long after curfew using a timer. Eventually went 'high-tech' and did something opto-electrically when a light went on. I am sure my parents were worried I was going to burn the house down. I have to laugh at most of the safety warnings on this forum when I think about what I did as a kid. I also was limited to radio shack stuff and whatever old junk I could dig up.
 
Yes it's a wonder any of us survived adolescence.

When i was in late teens it was just getting hard to buy firecrackers. One had to sign for them
But every country hardware store in the Ozarks sold dynamite, no questions asked. Well, maybe a friendly "You boys going fishing?"
 

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