ejk47 (04/15/83)
Steve the Jacobs Ladder is a easily made device. The source of high-voltage is usally a neon-sign or a oil furnance ignition transformer capable of at least 10Kv at 20-30ma. The ladder electrodes are attached to the output of the transformer and are bent at a angle so that the spark gap gradually widens. Also I might add that the electrodes should be fairly stiff otherwise they might oscillate with the arc. The size of the arc depends on the size of the transformer and how gradual the angle of the electrodes is. You might want to inclose the electrodes inside of a plexi-glass tube, because the voltage on them combined with the current could be lethal. (In general keep inquisitive hands out of reach of the high-voltage) Another thing you have to watch out for is the Jacobs Ladder, like any spark gap, produces one heck of a lot of ozone gas; And the RF harmonics will drive TV's and radio's nuts in the vacinity. I hope I haven't scared you away from building one. They are fun to watch and can be safe if common sense is observed. Ed Kufeldt ihuxo!ejk47