PNV 57A Transformer

[DothWeed2142]

Hi guys, I just joined today to ask a few things.
I have a pair of old PNV 57A Night Vision Goggles from the 1970`s. They are gen 0 and require an external IR light to function. Anyway, my problem lays in the heavy and quite cumbersome transformer it is connected to in order to function, keep in mind that the amazing soviet tech had to be connected to a warsaw pact vehicle, which gave out 12v or 24v of power. I saw a guy make a miniaturized version of the said transformer, and it took two or three AA batteries and it was fully working. Of course he didnt bother telling me too much about his creation so here I am.
PS: I managed to run the whole thing off of an 18v Cordless drill battery.

TL;DR: I need a step up booster that takes two AA batteries and converts them into 18kv, yes 18kv.

The attached photos are what I could dig up in terms of looks and even got a circut of some sorts that describes what I need, but I do not know how to read electrical.

 

[kellys_eye]

The schematic is of a simple voltage multiplier. The diode/capacitor arrangement can be extended 'ad infinitum' to multiply the AC voltage input to whatever DC voltage output you require.

You need a simple inverter driving a small ferrite-based transformer - practically any former will do and you can wind your own to get the required voltage/current.

Here's a simple schematic for one:

Many other versions are possible (Google 'high voltage generator' and click on 'images' to see oodles).

If you can find an old laser printer the power supply boards in them are a great place to get the parts.

Your pictures show such in inverter/multiplier built using surface-mount methods (tiny components) but I suggest you build one using standard parts first to establish a working version then simply re-do it using the sub-miniature parts.

 

[DothWeed2142]

Hi again, I simply cant understand half of what you told me here lol.
Pardon my impatience, but is there anything I can readily buy that will do the job?

 

[kellys_eye]

Without doing an exhaustive internet search (an exercise left to the student....) all I can advise is the process involved such that you have a better understanding (or not) of what's involved.

Often, for dedicated circuitry, the only choice is to make your own. High voltage modules (inverters) can be found all over t'internet and eBay but finding one with a specific output of 18kV may take some time and/or require modification of a 'standard' inverter.

Indeed the inverters used in laptop displays (to power the CFL backlight) can deliver a couple of thousand volts so adapting one by adding a suitable voltage multiplier circuit (the diode/capacitor string in your fist picture) could - actually WOULD - produce a solution.