Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!ncar!noao!asuvax!mcdphx!mcdchg!ddsw1!corpane!sparks
From: sparks@corpane.UUCP (John Sparks)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Help me build a "Static Simulator"?
Summary: watch out for high RF in high voltage circuits
Keywords: static shock
Message-ID: <375@corpane.UUCP>
Date: 21 Feb 89 21:45:27 GMT
References: <8724@dasys1.UUCP> <577@xroads.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: Corpane Industries, Inc., Louisville Ky
Lines: 32

In article <577@xroads.UUCP>, wiz@xroads.UUCP (Mike Carter) writes:
> In article <8724@dasys1.UUCP>, gts@dasys1.UUCP (G. T. Samson) writes:
> > Basically, what I want to do is build a circuit that simulates the
> > "zap", or spark, you get when you drag your sock-clad feet around

> There are other projects you could use. Jacob's ladders are easily contructed
> using two wire coat hangers and an old neon tube transformer.
> I would highly advise against building one though..even very, very careful
> folks like myself get **ZAPPED** enough times through the years to know
> better than to ->play-< with high voltage.
> High voltage is not a toy...just beware.

Also, if you build a Jacobs ladder device (two bars with a spark jumping
between it) be aware that besides the neato 'lightning', it is generating
very large amounts of RF.  By playing around too long to such a device you
can cause damage to soft tissue in your body. RF works like microwaves, 
heating up tissues and water, essentially cooking you from the inside out.

This may be a slight exageration, but be careful!

I built such a Jaccobs ladder in school, using some voltage tripplers and
a TV power supply. I could hold a flourescent tube 10' away and it would
light up from the RF. That's when my Instructor warned me to watch out
for the RF. 



-- 
John Sparks      // Amiga  |  {rutgers|uunet}!ukma!corpane!sparks 
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A virtuous life is its own punishment.