Another 1960s electronic project

7/7/2008 4:58:19 PMdel in MN

For another science fair I built 'something.' I do not recall what it was but here is a basic description. I used 2 aluminum or tin panels about 15 X 15 inches. They were separated apart by some short distance. They were mounted upright. But I do not remember what they did. Must have been transmission and reception of some kind.

7/7/2008 6:05:37 PMEdd

Possibly they were being used to construct a Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator's top ball electrode with, in case you couldn't acquire a metal ball electrode.
With the use of 2 pie plates to form that electrode, with a traveling belt transferring a charge up to them at the top.

The next device being your aforementioned Tesla coil with its RF boosting technique.

The last one to come to mind would be another electrostatic device called a Wimhurst generator, but its distinct petal shaped electrodes give it away...plus no pie plates involved.

73's de Edd

7/7/2008 6:08:23 PMdel in mn(63773:63772)

I remember the name van de Graf generator. It did not look like the photo you sent. Thanks
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7/8/2008 10:36:35 AMEdd(63795:63773)

That is because that is a Wimhurst generator with its “petals”…….the Van de Graaff is most noticeable by its top ball electrode.

Many a unit was built with the use of two pie pans at the top, as they were somewhat rounded as compared to one having to custom machine press /turn an aluminum globe for use at the top. With the alternative being the use of two mixing bowls at the top with their dimpled ends….but about all that could be found in those olden days was very pricey stainless steel Kollsman or Vollrath units.

Therefore the some what cheap pie plates were used. Nowadays, one can find cheeeeep imported mixing bowls at the dollar stores.

Van de Graaff:

73's de Edd

7/8/2008 10:58:07 PMJGJ(63821:63795)

Perhaps you were trying to replicate the 1887 experiments of Heinrich Hertz when he demonstrated the presence of electromagnetic waves predicted by Maxwell's mathematical theory of 1873?? I saw a write up of the experiments and plans for a replica apparatus in one of those (now-defunct) electronics magazines of years past. It had metal plates similar to those you describe...

7/9/2008 6:51:10 PMdel in mn(63847:63821)

That sounds like the unit(s). Thanks
:Perhaps you were trying to replicate the 1887 experiments of Heinrich Hertz when he demonstrated the presence of electromagnetic waves predicted by Maxwell's mathematical theory of 1873?? I saw a write up of the experiments and plans for a replica apparatus in one of those (now-defunct) electronics magazines of years past. It had metal plates similar to those you describe...