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From: gnome@olivee.UUCP (Gary Traveis)
Newsgroups: net.analog
Subject: Re: Jacob's Ladder
Message-ID: <375@olivee.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 3-Jun-85 18:14:17 EDT
Article-I.D.: olivee.375
Posted: Mon Jun  3 18:14:17 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 8-Jun-85 02:52:51 EDT
References: <72@biomed.UUCP>
Organization: Olivetti ATC; Cupertino, Ca
Lines: 35

> 
>       I have tried building a Jacob's Ladder using a 2-transistor oscillator
> feeding a T.V. flyback transformer but I have had problems with it:
> 
>         1) The transistor oscillator wants about 10 amps @ 12VDC.  An AC
> line powered circuit would be more elegant.
>         2) The H.V. arc produced wants to stay small in length.  That is, it
> does not want to climb up the rods and lengthen and finally break away
> unless I blow on the arc with an airstream (really!).  What am I doing
> wrong??  Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Bob Lagasse @ MGH Boston

Ok, the mod I would make to this circuit is to put it in
drawer and forget it.

Next, go to a junk yard and try to dig up an oil-burner HV
ignition transformer or neon sign transformer.  The oil burner
transformer is the better choice of the two because of the higher
current handling capabilities.

Next, just get a couple of steel/stainless rods and bend them into
a gentle V shape.  Mount them to a good non-conductor (the posts
of the transformer is best).  AND AWAY YOU GO.

The reason why the arc won't move with the other method is because
there isn't enought heat created by the arc to draw it upward.

Also, flyback transformers are highly resonant and a pain to use.


Gary