@slayer007,

Attached is a drawing that explains an easy and smart way of doing what you want.
With this circuit you can charge up a battery from a pulsed oscillator etc.

[EDIT] I have updated the drawing.

Groundloop.

@slayer007,

Some more information about this circuit. You need to use a SCR with a low trigger current threshold because the current through a Neon bulb is very small. The TIC106D is perfect for this job. Another issue is the maximum current the SCR can handle. If you capacitor is to big then you can exceed that current threshold. Read the data sheet for the SRC you select to use. The TIC106D can handle 400V and maximum 5 Amp.

You will be safe if you use a capacitor of 100 - 200 uF. Also never run the circuit without a load (battery etc.) on the output. The capacitor will just charge up to a high voltage maybe exceeding the voltage rating of the capacitor. The result may be a exploded capacitor. If you want a higher voltage then increase the value of the resistor. The attached image is a typical neon bulb(5,5?20mm). Uses approx. 0,3 mA. 56K will give you 110 Volt over the capacitor.  100K will give you 220 Volt. Select a capacitor with the voltage rating that suits your needs. One more issue, if your input is capable of supporting a high current at high voltage then this circuit will not work. This is due to the fact that the SCR will never stop conducting current. If the neon bulb does not blink (is glowing steady) then use a resistor in series with the input plus rail.

Groundloop.

I know this probley Is'nt right but I was just woundering something like this.
And where is a good place to find the neon bulbs?
the capasitor I'm using is 350v I would like to discharge it after about 200v.
do you know what size resistor I would need for that?

LOL I didnt think I was right.
Now am I on the right course?
And do you know what resistor I would need to have it dump around 200v.
I cant seem to find a good place for them neons eather I seen a couple on ebay but they dont say the voltage for them.
they were NOS GE NE-2 Neon bulbs

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220211286372&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012

Thanks for all you help

@slayer007,

Press refresh on your browser. I have updated the drawing. The resistor value will be close to 90K but if you use a trimmer resistor as shown in the drawing then you can adjust for the correct voltage you want. Start with a low value on the trimmer resistor and use a digital volt meter to measure the voltage over the capacitor.

The NE-2 Neon bulbs will work just fine. You can also find Neon Bulbs in coffee cookers and old kitchen ovens for baking etc. Neon bulbs is used in almost all space heaters etc.
Just remember to remove the original resistor if you use a Neon bulb from 220 V equipments.

Groundloop.

The capasitor I am using is 300v not 350v its a 4400 mfd
I have a few I could try the other two are 200v at 220uf Then 400v 120uf
Cool thanks for updating the pic.
And all your help guys.

@zerotensor,

Using only Neon bulbs in series is a bad advice with this circuit! The current through the bulbs will be to high for the gate on the SCR to survive in the long run. Resistors in series with the bulb will keep the current at a low state and thus protect the SCR.

>Watch out for sparks around lead-acid batteries, especially old and stressed ones.  >Hydrogen gas can escape and cause a nasty acidic explosion.

I agree with that, be carefull with sparks.

Groundloop.

Quite right, GL.  I was just about to edit my post but you beat me to it.  I was conflating your circuit with a similar one that I once built, where the current was being dumped through the bulbs themselves.  Gave a pretty sine wave on the scope.