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Author Topic: Plasma Ball Accessory  (Read 1088 times)

classixs

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Plasma Ball Accessory
« on: March 19, 2021, 06:57:45 am »
On a roll now it would seem...

It´s been 5 or 6 years since i last saw this, but just rediscovered it in the same box of goodies, from where i recently dug out the Elephant Ball Game.

Back then it never became more than a mere test-setup, and i figured it was cool enough to fit it as a standalone accessory.

Made a quick base from a piece of scrap wood, gave that a stain, and mounted the parts.
Decided to install a pair of banana plug sockets as well, so that the generator can be used for other "experiments" as well.

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It can be seen operating here, in my old movie of it:
Cheers
Jan
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St Paul Steam

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2021, 07:22:15 am »
That is a neat setup Jan, I think that would be a hit at steam shows with the kiddies! I still need to get me one of those generators.
Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
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Nick

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2021, 08:05:50 am »
Great idea that I am going to copy for kids at the shows! Already have everything here for it  :)
Nick

Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2021, 05:56:08 pm »
Going to have to plagiarize this one Jan :)

The only spare genny I have a atm is a Wilesco and it just had enough oomph to just cause a bit of brightness at the very top, so that's not going to do it.

I hooked it up to a PMR genny (that's no spare) and it ran it perfectly.

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Jim

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Nick

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2021, 06:07:25 pm »
Get an Austrian one like Jan’s, they’re only about $50  ;)
Nick

Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2021, 06:09:26 pm »
P.s Jan, I do have a question....what do you use to strip the insulation off those very small wires of the plasma cord? All of my wire strippers are a bit to much and are breaking the really fine copper wires as well when taking the insulation off?
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Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2021, 06:11:56 pm »
Great idea that I am going to copy for kids at the shows! Already have everything here for it  :)

Well I have liked and wanted one of them for a long time.

I think this accessory of Jan's would be a hit with kids (of all ages :)).
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Jim

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Nick

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2021, 06:15:13 pm »
P.s Jan, I do have a question....what do you use to strip the insulation off those very small wires of the plasma cord? All of my wire strippers are a bit to much and are breaking the really fine copper wires as well when taking the insulation off?

How small do your strippers go? Most of mine only go down to 16-18 AWG, but I found a pair of Channellock brand that go down to 20-22. Any smaller and you can pinch between your fingernails and strip it.
Nick

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2021, 06:16:16 pm »
Oops, didn’t read enough of your post to see that you’re cutting the copper! Thought you just didn’t have the right size for small wire
Nick

Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #9 on: March 28, 2021, 06:17:52 pm »
P.s Jan, I do have a question....what do you use to strip the insulation off those very small wires of the plasma cord? All of my wire strippers are a bit to much and are breaking the really fine copper wires as well when taking the insulation off?

How small do your strippers go? Most of mine only go down to 16-18 AWG, but I found a pair of Channellock brand that go down to 20-22. Any smaller and you can pinch between your fingernails and strip it.

Not sure Nick but I have 2 different pairs that work great on household wires, but these are really fine and the copper wires are like angel hair. I'll try that fingernail hint and see how that goes.
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Nick

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #10 on: March 28, 2021, 06:25:30 pm »
I’ve had luck very lightly scoring with a new razor blade then gripping with fingernails.
Nick

Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2021, 06:39:14 pm »
I’ve had luck very lightly scoring with a new razor blade then gripping with fingernails.
I shall give that a go.
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Jim

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classixs

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #12 on: March 29, 2021, 02:41:58 am »
I´m an electrician Jim, i just use my side cutting pliers.
It´s all in the feel, one can easily tell when the insulation yields, and is ready to be pulled off there.

For these thin cords i admittedly downgrade to a small electronics side cutter, as i can hardly see the plasmaball behind my usual one.
This is the exact model i use:
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On a different note, but within the same brand, i highly recommend a Bahco 4430 for our hobby here:
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I find it downright amazing when working on thin sheetmetal, like straightening old fireboxes, or making a new set of boilerbands.
It has smooth jaws, with a relatively low grip, but does not leave any marks at all on the surface, and is so small (5 1/4" total) that it can nearly fit anywhere.
Cheers
Jan
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Steam Technology

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #13 on: March 29, 2021, 02:47:06 am »
8 inch pliers for everything,though thsy have to be sharp. I generally go through a pair in 12 months.
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Jim

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Re: Plasma Ball Accessory
« Reply #14 on: March 29, 2021, 06:05:36 pm »
Thanks Jan
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Jim

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