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Tesladownunder

Thu Feb 19 2009, 05:38PM

Registered Member #10 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 09:45AM
Location: Bunbury, Australia
Posts: 1424

I am getting set up for another major project. It has been nearly 12 months since my last one which was the Red Alert Tesla coil.

I have 2 weeks to complete this new project for a magazine that wanted a new and different project for international publication. They didn't want to use an existing project, so I chose this one which I had in mind for a year or so.
Time will be a big thing as I work 60 hours plus at present so I have about 5 part days to complete this in. Too short really to allow for any delays
This is just a heads up which I will add to as I am able. I won't be able to put full pics up until after publication a month later.
In essence it will involve me in a thinker pose (a-la statue by Rodin) being struck by sparks.
It will involve some new techniques that I have not seen or done before and I hope it will look spectacular. Safety is a critical issue in this project, far more so than me in the pool which was simple. I have learned a lot by doing this however and appreciate the principles of multiple broad low inductance paths to ground to minimise voltage drop and hence voltage across my body.

I will be using the 4 inch coil which is a small coil with 2-3 foot sparks after loading with a long delivery arm. Mainly for safety but after all it was good enough to get my TC on a car done. (incidentally the car photo ranks number 7 out of 106,000,000 on Google images for "car").

Anyway, just a teaser so far.

Backyard Skunkworks

Thu Feb 19 2009, 05:43PM

Registered Member #1262 Joined: Fri Jan 25 2008, 05:22AM
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 451

Wow!

Your projects never cease to amaze.

Tesladownunder

Mon Mar 02 2009, 05:23PM

Registered Member #10 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 09:45AM
Location: Bunbury, Australia
Posts: 1424

Now completed.
A few more teaser shots.

1236014401 10 FT64148 Mtsideviewtcarmoperatorcenter

Proud Mary

Mon Mar 02 2009, 05:35PM

Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992

TDU as Rodin's "Thinker" - what wonderful stuff!

Your electric art is an inspiration to us all! And a reproach to lazy men everywhere.

Tesladownunder

Tue Mar 03 2009, 12:40PM

Registered Member #10 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 09:45AM
Location: Bunbury, Australia
Posts: 1424

You have a way with words, Harry.

Some more pics. The Thinker statue, one of many copies around the world.

I did try various versions to make myself spark proof. The one with copper foil just didn't look right but did make it safe tested here on my ignition coil sparks.

I then decided to go with an open face mask, using fine steel wire. (I have placed each one of these 5 guide wires deep inside someones chest)

The last photo shows the initial shots of a spray of sparks from the 4 inch TC in daylight.

1236083973 10 FT64148 Mtdayrunthreequarters

Steve Conner

Wed Mar 04 2009, 11:11AM

Registered Member #30 Joined: Fri Feb 03 2006, 10:52AM
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 6706

Are you going to do this in the scud, like Rodin's original statue?

Proud Mary

Wed Mar 04 2009, 01:10PM

Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992

Tom540

Wed Mar 04 2009, 06:21PM

Banned on 3/17/2009.
Registered Member #487 Joined: Sun Jul 09 2006, 01:22AM
Location:
Posts: 617

Tesladownunder wrote ...

You have a way with words, Harry.

Some more pics. The Thinker statue, one of many copies around the world.

I did try various versions to make myself spark proof. The one with copper foil just didn't look right but did make it safe tested here on my ignition coil sparks.

I then decided to go with an open face mask, using fine steel wire. (I have placed each one of these 5 guide wires deep inside someones chest)

The last photo shows the initial shots of a spray of sparks from the 4 inch TC in daylight.

HAHA that mask, Hannibal Lector

Tesladownunder

Thu Mar 05 2009, 11:39PM

Registered Member #10 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 09:45AM
Location: Bunbury, Australia
Posts: 1424

Steve McConner wrote ...

Are you going to do this in the scud, like Rodin's original statue?

I considered it. Pic is NSFW or anywhere really. Perhaps 4HV's first (and completely tasteless) nude shot.

I was originally hoping to use my copper foil to mould to my body but it is too stiff for that and just crinkles. I did try various metallic cloths without success when subjected to spark testing.

I evenually settled on builders insulating foil. This is a foil backed by fibreglass and plastic and is thin but strong enough for me not to be able to tear it by hand.

The third photo shows the initial test with just a simple wrap and TC sparks. No sensation at all.
The last photos show the suit being made up. I had to make the arms in a separate piece and rely on a broad contact area with the main body of the suit. It worked fine.

1236295441 10 FT64148 Mtblackmetalfabricsparks

Proud Mary

Fri Mar 06 2009, 01:38AM

Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992

God's Holy Trousers!

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