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Making a Strong RF Discharge Circuit

Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Swagatam 75 Comments

In this article we study an RF discharge generation concept also called EMP generator capable of producing an intense RF electrical discharge in the air which may have the potentials of paralyzing and permanently damaging all electronic systems in the close vicinity. The idea was requested by Mr. Nidal.

Table of Contents
  • Technical Specifications
  • The Design
  • Circuit Diagram
  • How it Works

Technical Specifications

I have seen a lot of circuits from you in your blog. I am a great fan of you!!!!

If you could help me with a circuit diagram for breaking 2.5 Volt torch bulb (Filament type) when it is switched ON and kept close to a copper pot 6 inches away (distance is between torch and copper pot) with a 12 Volt DC supply.

The thing is that, a switched on torch bulb should blow off when it is kept closer to a "copper pot" kept 6 inches apart. I hope a strong magnetic field will give the result.

But the problem is how to magnetize a copper pot to that extend?, an alternating supply give to a copper pot may develop magnetic flux around it or will it get short circuited?

Is it enough to break lamp filament? Or do I need to wind a copper coil inside that vessel to get that result?

Please help me in solving this issue.

Many thanks and expecting a reply from you soon.

Best regards,

Nidal.

The Design

The proposed concept of fusing a bulb filament through a wireless magnetic field doesn't appear to be feasible, however it could be implemented using a very strong RF discharge, such as from a very high voltage capacitor.

The idea may be carried as given in the following explanation:

A high current low voltage is first stepped up to many kilovolts, then stored inside equivalently rated high voltage capacitors and finally discharged by creating a short circuit across the high voltage capacitor leads.

The resulting discharge will generate an awesome amount RF electricity in the zone which may have the potential of fusing the filament of a bulb or illuminating a fluorescent tube momentarily.

Caution: The EMP discharge could produce devastating effects on all electronic equipment placed within the range of the discharge.

Caution: This circuit is designed to generate extremely high lethal voltages. Extreme caution and care is advised while handling this project. This project is NOT recommended for the newcomers.

Circuit Diagram

EMP generator circuit

How it Works

Referring to the diagram above, the set up shows a basic capacitive discharge system. The circuit comprising the diodes, C1 and the SCR form a capacitor charge/discharge switching stage which is powered from a boosted AC using a couple of mains transformers.

TR1/ and TR2 transformers are coupled together such that the low voltage TR2 winding connects with the TR1's low voltage winding.

When mains is applied to TR2 primary, an equivalent 220V (low current) is induced across the upper winding of TR1.

This voltage is used for charging the high voltage capacitor C1 in the circuit via a switching SCR stage which is triggered through the 50Hz low voltage input from TR2 via D2.

The switched C1 discharge is applied to the primary of a car ignition coil, which steps up this voltage to a staggering 40,000V or higher.

This voltage is kept hanging across a thin filament position within a suitably dimensioned conical shaped aluminum radiator.

When the shown push button is pressed, the high voltage tries to force its path through the filament creating a massive arc and explosion across the points.

This generates an intense RF disturbance in the region which is further magnified and propagated by the cone to the target which is here a small electrical bulb.

If the discharge is sufficiently strong may produce a momentary illumination of the bulb filament and then fusing due to the generated RF electricity.

Parts List

  • R4,R5 = 100 OHMS, 1 WATT
  • D1, D2, D3, D4 = 1N4007
  • C1 = 100uF/500V,
  • SCR = BT151
  • TR1/TR2 = 220V/0-12V/1AMP TRANSFORMERS.

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About Swagatam

I am an electronics engineer with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I am passionate about inventing, designing electronic circuits and PCBs, and helping hobbyists bring their projects to life. That is why I founded homemade-circuits.com, a website where I share innovative circuit ideas and tutorials. Have a circuit related question? Leave a comment.... I guarantee a reply!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. raja says

    June 28, 2024 at 3:07 pm

    Those people asking for this circuit are using to cheat the society in India. The rate of the pot increases with the range of the torch closing. Starts from lakhs to crores………. Its a illegal business in India

    Reply
  2. Brennen Richardson says

    July 31, 2023 at 11:56 pm

    Could you please give me a step-by-step on which terminal I’m soldering these different pieces to on the transistor I do not understand this diagram and I bought the pieces for this thing and I need it to work. Or can you just send me a picture of one that does work?

    Reply
  3. Brennen Richardson says

    June 21, 2023 at 8:59 am

    Where can I buy the Transformers for this and could you send me just a picture of what it looked like if you put it together just the circuit with? The Transformers and the capacitor.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      June 21, 2023 at 9:14 am

      You can buy the transformer from any car automobile shop.

      It is basically a powerful CDI circuit. You can refer the following example article and the video:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-make-capacitive-discharge/

      Reply
      • Brennen Richardson says

        June 23, 2023 at 10:48 am

        Isn’t there two of the Transformers and are they the same values as one another? I’m new to electronics so I have no idea how to read these diagrams that’s why I asked for a picture. What should I charge the capacitor with?

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          June 23, 2023 at 11:37 am

          Yes they both can be 0-12/220V 1 amp transformers with their 12V side wires connected with each other.

          Reply
          • Brennen Richardson says

            July 1, 2023 at 2:59 am

            U have written it as 0-12v 1 amp and 220v0-12v I amp are these step up or down tra nsformers?

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              July 1, 2023 at 9:45 am

              These are the standard step-down transformers.

              Reply
          • Brennen Richardson says

            July 1, 2023 at 3:17 am

            And what kind of tr is it ac to DC or DC to ac DC to DC or ac to ac?

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              July 1, 2023 at 9:47 am

              Transformers always work with an input AC, and produce an equivalent AC output depending on the winding spec.

              Reply
      • Brennen Richardson says

        August 13, 2023 at 2:24 am

        I still don’t understand the wiring diagram which terminal of the transistor do I wire the full Bridge rectifier to?

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          August 13, 2023 at 9:07 am

          I am sorry, but if you are not understanding the circuit then this experiment is not for you. This project involves lethal high voltage and and I won’t recommend this to any newcomer.

          Reply
          • Brennen Richardson says

            August 23, 2023 at 4:24 am

            I’m not new to electricity I just have a hard time with these bolueprints.

            Reply
  4. Jason says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:43 am

    I need to build a simple mobile RFI jam out of household things what can I use and how ?baby monitor ? Walkie talkie ?remotes??? Please help

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 18, 2023 at 11:44 am

      It is not possible to build a mobile phone jammer using household gadgets. Jammers require special parts.

      Reply
  5. SANJOY BHATTACHARJEE the says

    June 6, 2022 at 11:01 am

    How much is the power of this circuit and can it be modified to have much more power? If yes then please provide the schematic.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      June 6, 2022 at 12:47 pm

      The power will depend on the ignition coil power and the transformer power. I have not yet checked the actual power of the system so not sure about it.

      Reply
  6. Jithu says

    March 11, 2022 at 10:12 am

    Have you done this

    Reply
  7. Manu Krishnan says

    December 14, 2020 at 7:01 am

    Hi sir, please check your mail.i have been attached a video.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 14, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Manu, I cannot find your email, not even in junk folder

      Reply
      • Manu Krishnan says

        December 14, 2020 at 2:16 pm

        This is your mail id right???

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          December 14, 2020 at 5:02 pm

          Got your email now, what you are showing is basically a Tesla Coil, as given in the image

          comment image" alt="Tesla coil" />

          Reply
          • Manu Krishnan says

            December 14, 2020 at 6:39 pm

            Sir thank you soo much.
            Sir I need this same method above the one table.i need to fix the device under the table and need the frequency above the table, around 12 Inch frequency ( 360 degree)
            We can operate in ac also. How does it possible?? What changes should I do on this??
            Please help me
            Regards
            Manukrishnan.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              December 15, 2020 at 10:44 am

              Manu, there are many good constructional videos regarding this concept that you can check on YT. I have so far not built a Tesla coil, so I can’t suggest much on this concept.

              Reply
            • Jithu says

              March 11, 2022 at 12:06 am

              Have you done this

              Reply
  8. MOHAMED Hab says

    December 9, 2020 at 2:47 am

    Mr. Swagatam the circuit looks great congrats !
    This device can burn Nanobots Without damaging the targeted individual ?
    i’ll apreciate your response !!!

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 9, 2020 at 7:49 am

      Thank you Mohamed, You are right, the RF has the power to destroy nanobots easily

      Reply
      • MOHAMED Hab says

        December 10, 2020 at 4:26 am

        Thanks a lot Mr. Swagatam !!! I Apreciate your answer Sir !!!

        Reply
  9. Manu Krishnan says

    December 8, 2020 at 11:32 am

    Yes sir ,I think some fault from my side.how can I share that photos with you?
    If it possible, you can troubleshoot it. I think some mistake in pcb design or connection.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 8, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Manu, you can send it to my email given in the contact page….if it is possible I will try to find out the fault

      Reply
      • Manu Krishnan says

        December 9, 2020 at 7:46 am

        Sir contact page means? In that main page ??

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          December 9, 2020 at 8:55 am

          https://www.homemade-circuits.com/contact/

          Reply
      • Manu Krishnan says

        December 10, 2020 at 11:12 am

        Hi sir, please check your mail.i have been attached images.
        Regards
        Manu

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          December 10, 2020 at 12:51 pm

          Hi Manu, I saw your email,but it is difficult to understand the fault by looking at the image. I will suggest you to check the connections exactly as per the following PCB details:

          " rel="ugc">comment image

          Also please check the following:

          Check the ground connections, and make sure they are correctly connected across the transformers, SCR, ignition coil.
          Check the 220V from the output of the transformer which connected to the circuit.
          Remove the bigger 100uF capacitor and replace it with a smaller 1uF/400V or 105/400V for the initial testing purpose, remember this capacitor has to be a non-polar.

          Reply
          • Sanjoy Bhattacharjee says

            September 6, 2023 at 8:24 am

            Sir, I thought the capacitor used here is electrolytic because of the specifications provided. It would be nice to make clear if the capacitor is electrolytic or not. Thanks in advance.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              September 6, 2023 at 9:10 am

              Sanjoy,
              the capacitor is supposed to be a PPC, not an electrolytic. If you find 100uF too large you can first try using a 10uF.

              However somebody tried this circuit but he could not fuse a distant bulb filament using this circuit.

              Reply
  10. Manu Krishnan says

    November 26, 2020 at 10:29 pm

    Sir, is this rf frequency can pass through a wooden panel ,playwood or plastic ? And how much distance it can fuse this bulb?

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      November 27, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Hi Manu, yes the frequency may be capable of traversing through non-metallic obstacles. Distance will depend on the power of the RF, ignition coil power, supply current voltage specifications

      Reply
      • Manu Krishnan says

        November 28, 2020 at 10:22 pm

        Ok sir thank you.
        How can I increase that power? What should I change ? I need to cover the frequency around 8 inch radius,
        Please help me.

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          November 30, 2020 at 10:42 am

          You can change the ignition coil to a bigger one, or use 3 or 4 ignition coils in parallel

          Reply
          • Manu Krishnan says

            November 30, 2020 at 10:58 am

            Ok thank you sir,
            So I guess need not change capacitor, transformer and other devices.
            Now I confused about filament, am trying to take a thin copper from 12 v transformer .is it ok for filament?

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              November 30, 2020 at 2:44 pm

              No problem, do not use any filament, just use a 5 mm air gap between the output electrodes. When the spark jumps across these points, a strong RF will be generated in the atmosphere.

              Reply
          • Manu Krishnan says

            November 30, 2020 at 11:24 pm

            Ok sir,
            But one doubt,in this method the bulb will cut off suddenly or slowly?
            I mean the bulb will cut off suddenly whenever I switch on the device or bulb will be turning off slowly?
            My requirement is, the bulb should get fused slowly like within a 15-25 seconds. And also within s radius of 12 inch atmosphere area.
            And also I need to keep the output electrodes behind a playwood or fiber sheet. How to make it practical ??
            Please give me suggestion

            Thank you
            For ur support sir.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              December 1, 2020 at 11:45 am

              Hi Manu, I won’t be able to provide accurate information about this concept since I have not tested it practically. I can only say that this unit will generate a huge amount of destructive RF whenever a discharge is created at the output. The RF power will depend on the discharge capacitor value and the ignition coil wattage.

              Reply
            • Manu Krishnan says

              December 1, 2020 at 1:24 pm

              Ok thank you sir,
              Anyway I will try this and contact u for further clarification.

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                December 1, 2020 at 2:05 pm

                You are welcome Manu!

                Reply
  11. Saravanan says

    August 28, 2019 at 4:52 pm

    Hi i would like to buy this circuit. If you could designs it and sent it i would be happy to pay.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 28, 2019 at 5:21 pm

      Sorry, that won’t be possible.

      Reply
  12. Saravanan says

    August 27, 2019 at 9:03 pm

    Sir how to make radio-frequency wireless charger enough Power Range circuit please help sir

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 28, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Sravanan, you can read this article:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wireless-cellphone-charger-circuit/

      Reply
    • Manu Krishnan says

      December 2, 2020 at 4:31 pm

      Sir. It’s giving only 160-161 v out from transformer. We need 220v right?

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        December 2, 2020 at 4:42 pm

        Manu, 160 V will be enough for most CDI coils, and a output over 20kv can be expected

        Reply
        • Manu Krishnan says

          December 2, 2020 at 7:13 pm

          Ok, but no output from ignition coil.
          Nothing is coming

          Reply
          • Swagatam says

            December 2, 2020 at 7:59 pm

            Please try the following set up first, and verify the results, afterwards you can increase the rating of the capacitor and the coil for increased output:

            https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-make-capacitive-discharge/

            Reply
            • Manu Krishnan says

              December 5, 2020 at 8:28 am

              Sir not getting a proper output. Can I mail you the pic of circuit which I made? How can I share you that?

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                December 5, 2020 at 8:42 pm

                Manu, if you make the basic CDI design exactly as given in the above article, the circuit will definitely work, that is why I suggested you to build the small CDI circuit first and then upgrade its power rating, once the working is confirmed.
                It can be difficult for me to troubleshot your circuit by looking at your wiring diagram….

                You can also refer to the the working video of the CDI circuit, in the link which I gave your earlier to get more info regarding the wiring details.

                Reply
            • Manu Krishnan says

              December 7, 2020 at 9:47 pm

              Sir, very disappointing.not getting any results.am trying to find this secret from last 3 year.please help me to solve this case.

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                December 8, 2020 at 11:10 am

                Manu, I have already provided you all the required information and suggestions, with video proof, if still you are having problems then I am sorry I can’t do much!

                Reply
  13. Saravanan says

    August 27, 2019 at 5:39 pm

    I need a torch bulb to get fused when it comes within the range of 30cm. Same like the above scenario, a pot will be placed. Under the pot this emp device will be hidden. When the people has turned on torch and keep it within 30cm range, the bulb should blew. Its for a magic trick demonstration

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 27, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      The above circuit is designed for the same purpose. you can try it as explained

      Reply
  14. Saravanan says

    August 27, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    Sir I want to 2.5v trouchlight bulb filament cut off noncontac method

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 27, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      Sravanan, please explain elaborately so that I can understand the concept correctly!

      Reply
  15. Sathi says

    August 25, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    I will send you some pictures of Rf Circuit .see it sir tell right or wrong .sir please sent me your answer.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 26, 2019 at 8:10 am

      If it’s possible I’ll try to help!

      Reply
  16. Tony /Smith says

    August 18, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Why on Earth did you put the switch on the secondary of the coil ? That means the switch needs to be rated for at least 40,000 volts, good luck finding one ! Switch the primary ! The 40kv would jump the switch contacts of almost any switch, you might get lucky with the old knife style switch but then you would have 40kv shock hazzard.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 18, 2019 at 1:19 pm

      You can put it in series with R4.

      Reply
  17. Dilin says

    May 21, 2019 at 11:06 am

    I need a torch bulb to get fused when it comes within the range of 30cm. Same like the above scenario, a pot will be placed. Under the pot this emp device will be hidden. When the people has turned on torch and keep it within 30cm range, the bulb should blew. Its for a magic trick demonstration

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 21, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      That may require a huge amount of RF power, which may not be possible using a car ignition coil. But you can do the trick using a wireless charger circuit. This will not burn the bulb filament but will shut it off at a specific area where the wireless transmitter may be hidden.

      Reply
  18. Aonebasha says

    January 13, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    Please filamenet picture upload sir..

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      January 13, 2019 at 6:12 pm

      use a very thin wire for it, 40 SWG

      Reply
    • Dilin says

      May 20, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      Hi i would like to buy this circuit. If you could designs it and sent it i would be happy to pay.

      Reply
      • Swagatam says

        May 21, 2019 at 8:06 am

        Hi, Can you please tell for what purpose you need this equipment, how do you want me to test it?

        Reply
        • Sathi says

          August 23, 2019 at 11:26 am

          Strong RF Discharge Circuit diagram as confusing me there is no positive and nagitive simbles are there in diagram.please send me the complete diagram or assembled board pictures or assemble videos.

          Reply
          • Swagatam says

            August 23, 2019 at 3:03 pm

            The circuit works on AC, and the supply is given from TR1 secondary (220V)

            Please read the article to understand the working…

            Reply
            • Sathi says

              August 25, 2019 at 9:25 pm

              Please give me any suggestions

              Reply

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