Switching output of high voltage Neon transformer

[resolnhoh]

I am looking for a switch to modulate the 10 kV output of a Neon transformer (10 kV, 30 mA). Any thoughts ?

My model on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Elxjar-Supply-Electronic-Transformer-Approval/dp/B07FLMV5BB/ref=sr_1_6?crid=Y4X87M3JKTD1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-I8RCpiWa8jfrtzb-wSii5k_hIUN1Cz56myM_nWZ02C8ln70F1pRyp94aLcvfa2Qc9PIYzfIZLG_8RKA1sT0dlWHEMPVzovi_3TU_ZvpWYeHyqRzlpkH03HkiQCUYhtE45m7t6VboJLMN0YJbpdn4eUphW0ufqATK0dZuZBhQdaXjM0v8smnaJBqf7eNXDfb-rgbu3UnYv7l0LF8vV7gDURYz2Y-EKBbf4YJ-3llPbHGuQq5sxgpWSZXV6boRPpxu-UNLrMW1cTbbJ9qGns9paqog-Td3ibIjfqjbgeJw_8.fuRW5QAlrhJVoeMvDkV_UbjClRTccQjs-57FpQU17R0&dib_tag=se&keywords=neon+transformer+10kv&qid=1705910860&sprefix=neon+transformer%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-6

[Anders Mikkelsen]

Modulate to what extent? What type of modulation and at what rate?

That supply will likely give a HF (20 - 60 kHz range) output, modulated by full-wave rectified mains voltage. The solid state NSTs I've taken apart use the self oscillating BJT half bridge circuit commonly also found in compact fluorescent bulbs and state halogen transformers. You can shape the envelope of the output by modulating the input voltage to the NST, if you don't require very fast modulation.

[resolnhoh]

Hi Anders
thank for the reply and follow up questions.

I intend to build a "Lichtenberg machine", which essentially is a system burning decorative patterns (Lichtenberg Pattern) into wood.
Varying voltage would allow me to change the pattern (branching, depth).
Ideally, the switch should be stepless (like a volume button).

It would be a LOT easier to add a switch to the 220 V input side of the transformer rather than to the 10,000 V output side. As long as the output side can be regulated by reducing Voltage on the input side.

[Anders Mikkelsen]

In my experience, these kind of supplies lend themselves well to power control by changing the input voltage. My experience is based on Hongba HB- series SSNSTs. A variac would work, and a dimmer might work in a pinch but this is not guaranteed. I've used variable DC supplies to power them, but you need one that goes up to some 200+ V.