First, I decided what the project’s scope was going to look like.
High-powered transformers are usually driven through Zero-Voltage Switching or ZVS. However, when you want to adjust frequency and duty cycle, or if you just want to make a cheaper driver, you can use a 555 oscillator as the core.
However, this is more inefficient and creates more heat. However, it’s what I went with because it is easier to modulate frequency of the arc based on audio signals.

First, I made the ‘power supply’ for the logic components. Some people limit the primary voltage to the max the interrupter can handle, which is 16V. However, I wanted to drive my transformers at 24V. This meant I had to make my own mini regulator for 12V so that the logic components wouldn’t get fried.

After that, I made a 555 timer based oscillator that took in input from an RCA jack.

I then put it all together and assigned footprints.

I imported the footprints in, organized it, and routed it. This was kinda a pain due to high currents through thick traces while also routing delicate signals.

After that I made the BOM, and found the other non PCB parts. I think it’ll be cool and I’m like pretty sure it’s going to work.

I’ll then polish the repo and submit.

Time Spent: 7 Hours