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Hello. I am new to this forum and all of those HV stuff, but I have tried to build a VDG, as I have thought it would be easy. My main problem is, that i cannot feel the static electricity. I have built my VDG from a metal roller, wich is the motor, a plastic upper roller and a rubber belt. When I run it, without the 'soda' can on top of it, I can see a white dot exactly where the upper comb points the upper roller. Also, I hear noises using a SW radio. I have tried using alcohol 70%, as suggested here, but with no success. Any Ideas how to make it work?
Registered Member #27
Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 02:20AM
Location: Hyperborea
Posts: 2058
The current is very low on a small VDG so might not feel it at all without charging a capacitor of some sort. A conductive object without too many sharp edges will work as a capacitor if connected to the output of the VDG,
Registered Member #15
Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068
How large is the VDG?
Make sure your upper comb is as wide as the belt and has as many "fingers" as possible and placed as close to the belt as possible. And, you'll need a good topload. Make sure whatever your using doesn't have sharp edges, or it will bleed the charge before it can charge up to enough voltage.
Well, My VDG is relatevley small. only 5.5 inches tall. I have tried placing a diet cola can on top of it, but it didn't charge up. What exactly do you mean by topload?
Registered Member #618
Joined: Sat Mar 31 2007, 04:15AM
Location: Us-Great Lakes
Posts: 628
In a VDG the topload is would be the orb thats on top of the proffesional\display ones, it increases the area for the charge to build up on and there by allowing a larger discharge. (Hope I got that right.)
Registered Member #350
Joined: Mon Mar 27 2006, 05:14PM
Location:
Posts: 106
The can will not work as well as a sphere but you should still get sparks that are strong enough to feel them. Form your hand to a fist and approach the can with your knuckle instead of your finger. That should give the strongest sparks. Is the upper roller and the brush inside the can or below it?
Registered Member #350
Joined: Mon Mar 27 2006, 05:14PM
Location:
Posts: 106
You said you can see a white dot at the upper comb. Do you mean there are sparks jumping to the comb? In that case the problem is that the can is not insulated well enough. The support pipe could be the reason. It should be made from plastic but not black plastic since that may contain carbon. And it should be clean. But you said you cleaned it with alcohol so it should work. It could also be the belt. What material is that made from?
They are not sparks that are near the comb. My pipe is black, but it can produce static electricity. Will it be better to use toilet paper one? My belt is made from light, tan rubber. Iit can attract my hair when I rub it.
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A VanDeGraaff problem
