PART 1
A Lightning Generator Capable of generating small miniature
lightning bolts up to 24-in. long. the device is unusually potent
considering its overall simplicity and minimal power requirements.
In operation, the Lightning Generator spouts a continuous,
crackling discharge of pulsating lightning bolts into the air. These
waving fingers of electricity will strike any conducting object that
comes within it's range.
A piece of paper placed on top the discharge terminal will burst
into flames after a few seconds'of operation, and a balloon tossed
near the terminal will pop as though shot down by lightning.
WARNING: You build at your own risk. High voltage is dangerous!
use rubber gloves. If you are not familiar with high voltage rules then
do not attempt this project until you educate yourself in the use of
HV Capacitors and high voltage saftey. See your local library or
get a begineers book on electronics from Radio Shack or any other
electronic supplier from the web.
Construction
Building the Lightning Generator is relatively simple. The cost, dep-
ending on your scrounge-ability, will be from $35 to $80.
Start with L2, the secondary coil, which consists of a 36 1/2-in.
length of 1 7/8-in. OD cardboard tubing, wound with a single layer
of AWG 30 enameled, copper wire. Choose as perfect a tube as
possible and make sure that it is not contaminated with paint or other
substances. Heat the tube in an oven to drive out moisture and paint
it lightly with varnish or plastic spray.
The coil can be wound by hand or chucked in a slow-turning lathe.
