That was excellent. I was interested enough to look around on the net. Found this:
Capacitor Discharge Unit MKII. This is a kit -
here is a link to the order form - for $10.60
(Australian) .. Interestingly, the article contains the complete schematics, photos of the printed circuit board, parts list and instructions.
Ahh. The power of the internet. The BD 679 Darlington transistor used .. hmmm .. says I .. wonders if it is available at Radio Shack? Looking around, found the
BD679 data sheet .. and listed third down under "Related Electronics Part Number" is Part Number: TIP120. Further clicking
around shows that this is a "POWER TRANSISTORS(5.0A,60-100V,65W)"
For further amusement early in the morning, swung by Radio Shack online:
1 - 1k (RS 271-1321 - 1K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (5 Pack) $0.99)
4 - 2k2 (RS 271-1325 - 2.2K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (5 Pack) $0.99)
2 - 1000u 25v - 35v (if operated on 15-16v AC then use the 25v or if 18-20v then the 35v. RS 272-1032 are 1000uF 35v - $1.59
3 - 1N 4002 diodes (darn. RS has 1N 4001,4003 and 4004 but no 4002. Those are all $0.99 ea)
1 - 3mm red LED (RS has an assortment for around $1.50-$2.00 ea)
1 - BD 679 Darlington transistor (RS TP120? .. RS 276-2068 $1.59. In the article he says that his CDU-1 uses the 2N3055 NPN Transistor which Radio Shack carries - RS 276-2041 $2.29).)
1 - PC Board - Once upon a time you could purchase everything to etch your own boards at Radio Shack. Now, you would have to use one of the general purpose PC Boards for a couple dollars each)
Looks like you could "Roll-your-own" CDU for about $10 or so.
Update: It was bugging me that I couldn't walk into Radio Shack and get all the parts. Was a time .. "Back When" .. when Radio Shack was for hobbiests .. not any more. Anyhoo .. went to
Jameco Electronics ..
1 - 1k Resistor (1 K Ohm 1/4-Watt CF $0.02 ea but you have to order 100 = $2)
4 - 2.2k Resistors (2.2 K Ohm 1/4 - CF $0.02 ea but again .. you have to order 100 = $2)
2 - 1000u 25v - 35v Capacitors (25v $0.45 ea, 35v $0.55 ea)
3 - 1N4002 diodes ($0.05 ea you have to buy 10ea = $0.50)
1 - 3mm red LED (various about $0.15 and you have to buy 10ea = ~$1.50)
1 - BD679 Darlingoton transistor (hmm. They have the TIP120 .. but no BD679. Found that the BD679 is equivalent to the MJE802 .. but Jameco only has the MJE800. *sigh*)
Oh well. Enough playing this morning. Off to do some sheetrock.
