900,000 volt Van de Graaff Generator Using Cheap Parts

Step 13 Time for the top 1

Make the top comb as shown, its just a set of pins that need to be held next to the side of the belt just before it touches the top roller. the long tale of copper is to make a spring to touch the inside of the sphere as close the middle as possible.

I put to 4/40 bolts in the top of the machine for this assembly to sit on, this is a very loose design, just get it close without touching the belt and it will grab a great charge.

Comments

[paperjack]

I don't understand, does the copper tail have to touch the sides of the sphere or it has to stay in the middle of the sphere without touching anything?

[nickademuss]

IT touches the sphere as close to the top center as possible.
So it can transfer electrons to the sphere.

[paperjack]

Can the sphere be far away from the comb? As in, not covering it.

[nickademuss]

It can but wont develop much of a charge.

[bluetrilobite]

hi. on the same note, i was thinking instead of cutting a big hole in the sphere so that the belt, comb, and roller can fit inside, would it be possible to run an insulated wire from the top comb ( which would be next to the top roller, just underneath the sphere) through a small hole, having it connect to the inside of sphere?
ty

[nickademuss]

Static dissipates so easily, it would work, but would be 1/2 the voltage....or less.

the best VDG's are enclosed this way.