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| What kind of transformer/power supply is needed to make Lichtenberg Figures? |
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| drummerdimitri:
I've been wanting to make Lichtenberg Figures in wood but I have some doubts regarding what kind of voltage and current levels are needed to make such figures. It would make sense that the larger the piece of wood the more voltage is required to create the pattern since the resistance increases between the two points of contact. I've seen people using microwave oven transformers however, I'd rather not fool around with the wiring of those as any mistakes can be lethal so instead was looking for an all in one solution. I've found a 10 KV Neon transformer that can output 30 mA of current however I am not sure if this is enough current to create the patterns. How can one do this safely? |
| cdev:
Be careful! They are very pretty but we would hate to lose you, or anybody here, ya know! |
| DaJMasta:
I think most of the safety options actually just come from your environment and handling of the equipment. a cutoff switch that isn't just connecting up the transformer and is not right next to what's powered make sure nothing will fall on it, that it's mounted sturdily so it won't fall make sure other people/animals can't mess with it wear eye protection, make sure there's adequate ventilation, keep an extinguisher (one that works on electrical fires) nearby an enclosure of some sort may be good for your power supply, in case it doesn't protect itself from overcurrent/heat, especially You know, the sort of stuff that's easy to forget but is also easy to set up to dramatically improve the safety of your experiments. It's worth reading up or watching videos for it as well, especially if they detail their setups, safety precautions, or operating parameters. I've heard of people applying stuff to the surface to encourage the pattern forming with lower voltages (maybe water to moisten the surface?) and using nails driven in as mounting points - you could get a board with several at different distances and see how a given voltage fares in terms of distance and speed. |
| floobydust:
Big Clive uses around 4kV 25mA neon sign transformer and covers some safety points. He is against MOT because there the HV output winding has one leg tied to earth ground, which is why people get electrocuted touching the artwork in progress. |
| james_s:
Neon sign transformers have the center tap tied to ground, so they are little safer in that respect. They are current limited to a much lower value which is unlikely to be lethal, but it can still certainly be dangerous. |
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