Variable Brightness Plasma Ball with Arduino Nano - Compoden Kit
Master High-Voltage Control with the Arduino Nano Plasma Ball Kit
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn a glass sphere into a responsive glowing sculpture with a knob that commands both voltage and software. This kit places you at the intersection of analog power electronics and embedded programming, as you build a switch-mode power supply around a dual 555 timer circuit, then let an Arduino Nano translate a potentiometer's rotation into precisely varied brightness - all housed inside a laser-cut safety enclosure.
What You'll Build
A fully operational plasma ball whose glow intensity follows your potentiometer. You will solder the SMPS on a prototype PCB, integrate the Arduino Nano, and mount everything inside the included HV safety enclosure - a compact, portable instrument perfect for your workbench or a school science exhibition.
What You'll Learn
- How a 555 timer generates a high-frequency PWM signal to drive a ferrite transformer and generate high voltage
- Interfacing a potentiometer with Arduino and mapping analog readings to a PWM output that controls a MOSFET gate
- Safe handling and insulation techniques for circuits operating above 1000V
- SMPS fundamentals: pulse-width modulation, transformer selection, and snubber design
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Nano | 1 |
| 555 Timer | 2 |
| IRF540N MOSFET | 2 |
| Ferrite Transformer | 1 |
| Plasma Ball Tube | 1 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 10 |
| 10k? Potentiometer | 1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| HV Safety Enclosure | 1 |
| 12V 2A PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
If you are a CBSE Class 11 or 12 student preparing a physics investigatory project, a B.Tech ECE/EEE student building a mini-project for a hackathon like Smart India Hackathon, or an ATL tinkering lab mentor looking for a safe high-voltage activity, this kit provides a structured, well-documented path into power electronics and Arduino control.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to access the AI build companion trained on this exact project, or message us on WhatsApp for a human response within hours.
Can I use this SMPS circuit for other high-voltage experiments?
Yes, the 555-based flyback driver can power other capacitive loads like a Geissler tube. Our AI companion can guide you through the necessary tweaks to frequency and duty cycle.
Is the kit safe for a school lab?
The HV safety enclosure and detailed insulation steps minimize risk. We recommend adult supervision for builders under 16 and always operating the circuit on a non-conductive surface.
Do I need to know Arduino coding beforehand?
Only basic familiarity is helpful. We provide a complete, commented code template that reads the potentiometer and outputs a PWM signal - you can upload and run it immediately, then tweak parameters to see the effect.
555 timer SMPS drives spark gap plasma tube at variable frequency. Arduino adjusts brightness from potentiometer.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Nano
- 555 Timer x2
- IRF540N MOSFET x2
- Ferrite Transformer
- Plasma Ball Tube
- 100nF Caps x10
- 10k? Potentiometer
- PCB Prototype Board x3
- HV Safety Enclosure
- 12V 2A PSU
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items