Help Needed - Unknown part

[Hell-e-Guy]

Hi,
I am looking for an unknown part from an EL Wire inverter that went bad.
It is the only semiconductor device on this simple inverter (2 resistors, 2 electrolytic Capacitors, one ceramic capacitor and a transformer).
Marking on it say D1803. It is a through hole device with 3 pins and the shape and size of an SMT D-pack package.
Sorry I can't post a picture.

Any assistance will be appreciated...

[Acetronics]

Hi, Hell

something like that ???? :

http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/38718/SANYO/2SD1803.html

Alain

[Hell-e-Guy]

Thanks Acetronics,
Looks right (marking and shape), but if its an NPN transistor how does the circuit oscillate ?
Does someone have schematics of the skycable EL wire inverter ?
An explanation of a single transistor oscillator would be nice also...

Thanks again guys !

[Acetronics]

Hi, Hell

Look at the third winding of the trafo between Base and emitter ... or see what's in a single use camera flash !!!

Alain

[Hell-e-Guy]

Sorry man,
Didn't understand your answer...

Thanks

[Bruce Abbott]

Talking Electronics: EL Invertor (http://www.talkingelectronics.com/Projects/Electroluminescence/LitELine05.html)