Cigar box Christmas tree

[perc-o-prince]

Hey all,

Been a while since we've been on but this post might be right up some folks' alley!

We bought this cute but ever-so-cool homemade project and are looking to get it running. My guess is that the "power plant" would have been 2-3 D cell batteries and the capacitor array is a step up as the bulbs resemble 12w AC bulbs. The bulb shown in the close-up ails the continuity test (obviously).

Does anyone have any thoughts on the stats for this project? We can't wait to get it running and would rather keep it as original as possible!!

Thanks all,
Chuck

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Looks neat, does it also play music-box chimes?

Surely I'd long ago when I'd could have acquired the right parts and had the time, skills and know-how could have built my own...

-- Dave

 

[combo52]

Miniature homemade Christmas tree

Hi Rich, that’s pretty neat. Somebody sure put some effort into making that little Christmas tree display.

Those lightbulbs are neon bulbs they don’t have a filament that’s why the capacitor in the resistor in series with them.

They would probably only be about 1/3 of a watt each, so this would operate for a long time even on D batteries.

John

 

[mattl]

Neat little tree, somebodies labor of love.

 

From the discoloration in the box you can get a good idea of the number of batteries, looks like 4 or 5. Question is series or parallel, my hunch is series.

 

Good luck.

 

[polkanut]

Looks like something created by Mr. Wizard. I like it!