Here is a cool project that you can build from a few parts that will allow you to power fluorescent lights with a 12 volt battery.
This low cost project even teaches you how to wind your own transformer from salvaged parts.
This link is from a interactive electronics e-magazine stocked full of electronics projects and tutorials. There is also a basic electronics course and micro-computer programming course that can be purchased for a small fee.
Many of the lessons feature animated gif images that really aid in the learning process on how electronics circuits work.
Here is a link to the Fluorescent light project
Here is a link to the Talking Electronics web site
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Cool!
Could this run EL (electroluminescence) stuff?
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I am sure it could run some of that EL wire or back-lights. I think all they need is a hundred or so volts.
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This is cool, should be good for low power lights