FAQ
TL;DR: Inventor seeks an EE to design a compact, high‑power stun‑gun with arming/activation and charging; “stun guns are legal in the U.S. (with the exception of 7 states).” [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
Why it matters: Builders and consultants want clarity on scope, safety, and contact steps for a high‑voltage device project aimed at the U.S. consumer market.
Quick Facts
- U.S. legality claim: legal except in 7 states; consumer sales discussed. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
- Typical power source mentioned: 4×AAA batteries for consumer units. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
- Available expertise: HV design with e‑core ferrite transformers on PCB traces; boards used in UL/ETL‑approved equipment. [Elektroda, Stephen Van Buskirk, post #21664372]
- UK perspective: devices classed as offensive weapons under the Firearms Act and linked to terrorism laws. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21664376]
Who is asking for help and what’s the exact scope?
Brian Walker requests an EE for a compact, highest‑output stun‑gun design plus minor arming/activation and charging circuitry, with potential long‑term collaboration. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664370]
Is this project intended for U.S. use, and what legal claim was made?
The inventor targets the U.S. market and claims stun guns are legal except in seven states. He also contrasts risks with Tasers. Treat this as the requester’s claim, not legal advice. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
What risks or liabilities were raised in the thread?
One poster warns of serious legal exposure and classifies such devices as offensive weapons in the UK, with potential heavy sentences. They stress caution regarding injury or misuse. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21664376]
Can stun devices cause harm or death?
A participant states they can, especially for people with pacemakers or heart conditions, emphasizing capacitor discharge through a high‑voltage transformer. Treat vulnerable users as a critical edge case. [Elektroda, Mark Harrington, post #21664378]
How do stun guns differ from Tasers according to the thread?
The requester notes deaths are usually linked to Tasers delivering long, 15‑second blasts, not small stun devices using 4×AAA cells. That statistic guides risk framing. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
What engineering skills are available if I join?
An engineer offers high‑voltage design, PCB layout, and experience using e‑core ferrite material with PCB traces for HV transformers, plus boards used in UL/ETL‑approved gear. [Elektroda, Stephen Van Buskirk, post #21664372]
How can I contact the inventor privately?
Use the forum’s EEWeb homepage private messaging feature to initiate a non‑public conversation. It’s suggested as a way to avoid posting emails. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21664373]
Is there a direct email for faster follow‑up?
Yes. The requester shared a direct email for coordination and planned to connect within a day. Use that for immediate scoping. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664374]
Will the community get progress updates?
A member asked the parties to keep the forum posted and share non‑proprietary development notes and concepts as the project advances. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21664375]
What power source was mentioned for consumer stun units?
The requester cites 4×AAA cells as typical, arguing such small sources limit lethality without intent to harm. Design assumptions should reflect that supply. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664377]
What does “arming/activation/charging circuitry” imply here?
It refers to safe enable/disable logic, a user trigger or switch, and a charging path suited to the chosen cell pack and form factor. Scope includes these minors. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664370]
What is an e‑core ferrite HV transformer in this context?
As described by an engineer, it’s a ferrite e‑core transformer built to generate high voltage, potentially using PCB traces to form part of the windings. [Elektroda, Stephen Van Buskirk, post #21664372]
What do UL and ETL references mean for contributors?
An engineer reports delivering boards used in equipment that obtained UL and ETL approvals for sale in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, indicating familiarity with compliance builds. [Elektroda, Stephen Van Buskirk, post #21664372]
How should branding and claims be handled?
One engineer warns against over‑powering or aggressive names like “The Terminator,” noting such positioning invites trouble. Keep claims conservative. “These devices are sold commonly,” he adds. [Elektroda, Stephen Van Buskirk, post #21664379]
What are the practical steps to make first contact?
How‑To: 1. Open the member’s EEWeb homepage. 2. Use the private message feature to introduce your expertise and availability. 3. Request a follow‑up channel for specifications. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21664373]
Is long‑term collaboration on future projects possible?
Yes. The requester seeks a long‑term partner and mentions more significant projects on the horizon beyond this stun‑gun design. [Elektroda, Brian Walker, post #21664370]