/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>1709848

the 2 big differences are that (1) a step-up transformer is usually fed a continues AC waveform, usually sinusoidal, whereas the ignition gets 1 very short pulse of DC at intervals, and (2) the DC pulses received are synchronized with the rotation of the engine. you get 1 spark per cylinder at the appropriate time when petrol is injected into it, to make it go boom.

as for the cap, it needs to be able to handle a high voltage - whatever the solenoid generates when the magnetic field collapses. bigger solenoids create bigger voltages. could be thousands of volts.