Static electricity/Creating high voltages

Static Lifter

Cockcroft Walton generator

Problem

A static lifter can not be built without a 30,000 volt power supply. In addition, existing high voltage creation devices need to be maintained and certifications (online tests) built in order to use them.

There are some of the mechanisms for generating high voltages:

• Rubbing things together
• lots of 9v batteries video
• TV flyback transformer
• Van de graaff
• Wimshurst machine
• Cockcroft-Walton generators
• Tesla Coil (AC like a power line .. not static)

• 
  Van de Graaff
• 
  Wimshurst
• 
  TV/Monitor flyback transformer
• 
  Tesla Coil

Conceive

The static lifter demo requires the highest voltage. The goal is to generate 30KV to do a static lifter demo. All methods for generating the high voltage should be attempted.

Design

• video from tv/monitor
• video making high voltage supply
• repairing high voltage supply
• make 120KV CW Tower
• 101 Cockcroft voltage multiplier

Implement

• video of lifter working
• 30KV powersupply
• lifter construction

Operate

Have an old high voltage probe that needs to be fixed and it's operation documented. Video of violet ray machine.

Looks similar to the Violet Ray Machine from the 1920's. Need to visit the Montgomery County Historical Society to see if they know anything about it. Versions of it have shown up at some new age healing expositions or fairs.

Attempt to fix old high voltage probe

It is called a "Tesla Coil", but not sure that is what this is. For now call it an "old high voltage probe." The Casing removed from the coil, ready to be observed and further taken apart for diagnosis of parts and finding the cause for inconsistent operation. A picture of the coil in operation, specifically the area inside where a small spark (arching) takes place, to generate the larger sparks at the tip. The spark gap assembly taken apart to clean contacts. The file used can be seen in the photo. The tip is held in by a metal pin-holder which is secured to the threaded electrode inside the plastic housing with a 10-32 nut. The Wax is old and may require replacement

Operation of old high voltage probe

It is not recommended to touch the tip of the device while it is active. Be sure to always be aware of the tip of the coil. Plug the coil into house ac 115-120 voltage for operation. Note the knob on the back of the coil near the power cord If the knob on the rear is extended, (meaning the the most threads are visable) the coil is off. Twist the knob clockwise to increase the output of the tip, the know will recess into the coil. The coil will emit a buzzing noise when a charge is being built up. twist the knob counter-clockwise to decrease charge/reduce sparks, the knob should extened out of the coil. In/clockwise is "on" and Out/counter-clockwise is "off"

Demo

presentation

Next Steps

• Develop and reference safety precautions
• Make Van De Graph generator
• Get Wimhurst machines working
• Fix high voltage probe
• Build 30KV supply