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Here are two electrostatic versions of a retro Click-Clack toy that was popular in high schools back in '70s. Version 1.0 is the super-budget model. Parts (excluding the power supply) amount to almost nothing. A description of the more expensive and upgraded 2.0 version pictured on the Intro page appears at the end of this i'ble.
I used conductive spheres to shuttle electric charges between the poles of a high voltage (HV) DC source. This shuttle assembly was made from two, foil-covered spheres joined by a non-conducting, plastic tube. The assembly was sandwiched between two stationary, dumbbell shaped electrodes. When the upper dumbbell was grounded with respect to the negatively charged lower dumbbell, the shuttle began to bounce between the HV poles with a clacking noise as charges were transferred from the lower to the upper electrode. This rocking motion completed the HV circuit.
I powered the project with an electronic air ionizer purchased at a rummage sale; but other sources of HVDC, such as a Van de Graaff generator could be used to rock this clacker. For a video clip about the project, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQrXRCu066c .
Safety
If you choose a commercial air ionizer as the power source, use a model powered by a low voltage AC adapter. A line powered ionizer can be a serious shock hazard!!
* * *
I used conductive spheres to shuttle electric charges between the poles of a high voltage (HV) DC source. This shuttle assembly was made from two, foil-covered spheres joined by a non-conducting, plastic tube. The assembly was sandwiched between two stationary, dumbbell shaped electrodes. When the upper dumbbell was grounded with respect to the negatively charged lower dumbbell, the shuttle began to bounce between the HV poles with a clacking noise as charges were transferred from the lower to the upper electrode. This rocking motion completed the HV circuit.
I powered the project with an electronic air ionizer purchased at a rummage sale; but other sources of HVDC, such as a Van de Graaff generator could be used to rock this clacker. For a video clip about the project, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQrXRCu066c .
Safety
If you choose a commercial air ionizer as the power source, use a model powered by a low voltage AC adapter. A line powered ionizer can be a serious shock hazard!!
* * *
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Signing UpStep 1Tools & Parts
You probably have many parts to build the super-budget clacker among the disposable items left over from home delivery of fast food that end up in kitchen drawers. Exact dimensions are not crucial; but the shuttle assembly must be balanced carefully before it will rock with fairly steady beat. (With some minor tweaking, the 2.0 version can serve as a metronome for musicians : >D).
You will need: white and CA glues, cellophane tape, small hammer, scissors, a ruler, a small metal saw, an electric hobby drill with 1/8" and 1/16" bits, an electrical continuity tester as well as the following items. Remember, for this type of project there's always room to improvise.
A. Shuttle Assembly
Spherical Core Forms (2) Newspaper sheets to make ~1" dia balls.
Al Foil Foil (for wrapping hot heros to go) to
cover cores.
Dielectric Connecting Tube (1) Just a geeky name for a 5" x 1/8" non-conducting,
plastic straw (or use a 1/4" dia empty ball point
pen cartridge for better support).
Axle (1) paper clip.
B. Stationary Electrodes
Spherical Core Forms (4) Newspaper sheets to make ~1-1/2" dia
balls.
Al Foil Foil for covering cores.
Connecting Rods (2) 6" x 1/8" lengths from a heavy duty coat hanger.
C. Stationary Electrode Mounts
Dielectric Support Columns (4) 5-1/2" x 1/4" thick shake straws or something similar.
Stand-offs (4) Small plastic or stryo thread spools w/1/4" center hole.
Mounting Hardware (8) 1" x 18 gauge nails.
D. Shuttle Mounts (2) 4-1/2" x 1/2" dia, x-tra thick, smoothie straws or
something similar.
E. Project Base (1) Whatever works; try fast food take-out tray or 1/8" cardstock
cut to appropriate L&W.
F. PowerSupply & Accessories
HVDC Source (1) Small, commercial electronic air ionizer, such as the Micronta
Air Purifier (Radio Shack cat. no. 63-643) as shown
in picture or Van de Graaff, etc .
Input Terminals & Leads (2) Color coded, plastic push pins & insulated wire.
You will need: white and CA glues, cellophane tape, small hammer, scissors, a ruler, a small metal saw, an electric hobby drill with 1/8" and 1/16" bits, an electrical continuity tester as well as the following items. Remember, for this type of project there's always room to improvise.
A. Shuttle Assembly
Spherical Core Forms (2) Newspaper sheets to make ~1" dia balls.
Al Foil Foil (for wrapping hot heros to go) to
cover cores.
Dielectric Connecting Tube (1) Just a geeky name for a 5" x 1/8" non-conducting,
plastic straw (or use a 1/4" dia empty ball point
pen cartridge for better support).
Axle (1) paper clip.
B. Stationary Electrodes
Spherical Core Forms (4) Newspaper sheets to make ~1-1/2" dia
balls.
Al Foil Foil for covering cores.
Connecting Rods (2) 6" x 1/8" lengths from a heavy duty coat hanger.
C. Stationary Electrode Mounts
Dielectric Support Columns (4) 5-1/2" x 1/4" thick shake straws or something similar.
Stand-offs (4) Small plastic or stryo thread spools w/1/4" center hole.
Mounting Hardware (8) 1" x 18 gauge nails.
D. Shuttle Mounts (2) 4-1/2" x 1/2" dia, x-tra thick, smoothie straws or
something similar.
E. Project Base (1) Whatever works; try fast food take-out tray or 1/8" cardstock
cut to appropriate L&W.
F. PowerSupply & Accessories
HVDC Source (1) Small, commercial electronic air ionizer, such as the Micronta
Air Purifier (Radio Shack cat. no. 63-643) as shown
in picture or Van de Graaff, etc .
Input Terminals & Leads (2) Color coded, plastic push pins & insulated wire.
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