What waveform and frequency will drive a flyback transformer most efficiently

hey,

what waveform is used to drive a flyback transformer, what frequency and what voltage, and at that voltage what current would it draw?

because i have made a flyback transformer driver with a 555 timer and a transistor, and at about 15v, when the wires are too far apart to arc, it draws bout 1.5A and when it arcs about 5A the spark is about 3cm long, is it drawing too much current at that voltage? please tell me if im making some stupid mistakes lol

thanks in advance, Alf.

Electronics is a great hobby, but, like with so many things in life there are a few dangers to be aware of, and, this is one of them! I would say that you are making a very stupid mistake by going ahead with such a project as it could very well be your last one! From the details of your question I would suggest that your not entirely a novice, still, If you have any doubt about it the dangers involved then read any of the warnings given in TV manual!

But, to answer your question, the LOPT core is normally ferrite and runs best around 40kHz. The primary drive is usually driven by a power FET mounted on a heat sink and 5A is probably about right.

If you are looking to make 'sparks' , then find an alternate method.

Take my advice, leave this project well alone - you'll live longer and others may do too!