4. Warnings
(1)
Children should not use or operate this device.
If used for demonstration
purposes around children, close adult supervision is required, and children should
be kept at a safe viewing distance away from the device (> 5 feet).
(2)
Proper care should be taken to avoid static electric shock.
This
device produces high voltage, and the operator should use proper care to insure
safe operation.
(3)
Persons with pacemakers or heart conditions should not come within 15' (15
Feet of this device when in operation.
This device can disrupt proper operation
of pacemakers and cause injury to those with heart conditions.
5. Initial Setup
(1)
Remove main console (including Plexiglas column and bottom half of main
dome) from the Styrofoam storage case.
(2)
Place main console on a clean level surface in close proximity to a grounded
110V outlet.
Do not connect the upper dome segment to the lower one yet.
(3)
Attach one end of the enclosed ground wire to the main console / base using the
supplied opening, and the other end to the handle of the discharge electrode
wand.
(4)
Insert plug into a properly grounded 110V outlet.
(5)
Turn on the device using the switch located on the main console / base.
(6)
While touching the discharge wand to the lower half of the dome, observe the
drive belt to ensure that it is properly adjusted and running in the center of the
top pulley. This generator is adjusted for proper belt travel and tension at the
factory, but these adjustments can be thrown out by rough handling. If necessary,
use the tensioners located inside the bottom dome half to correct belt travel.
(7)
Turn the device off and touch the discharge wand to the lower half of the dome.
(8)
Carefully connect the upper dome segment to the lower one.
6. Adjustment and Cleaning
(1)
Remove the upper dome of the electrode, and clean the electrode ball, the
discharge ball, the upper and lower rollers, the rubber belt and the Plexiglas tube
with a piece of clean cloth.
(2)
Adjust the distance between the upper and lower rollers so that the rubber belt is
suitably snug, making sure to keep the upper and lower rollers parallel. This is
accomplished by adjusting the tensioners inside the lower half of the dome.
(3)
Adjust the upper and lower collecting combs so that they are very close to the
rubber belt, but not in contact.
(4)
If using the unit in higher humidity, connect the power supply and let the
instrument run for a full minute prior to use. The bulb located in the unit base
will help to dissipate moisture, which adversely affects operation.
7. Method of experiment
(1)
The demonstration of charge nature
Place some tiny pieces of paper near the electrode ball, and they will be subject to
induced electrification, and will fly to electrode ball. After they have contacted
the electrode ball, they will receive the same charges as the electrode ball and will
be repelled and will fly away from the electrode ball.
(2)
The demonstration of lines of electric force
Attach a parallel plate capacitor to the generator making a circuit from base to
dome top (with the capacitor in between). Keep the two plates parallel, keeping
them an inch apart. When the generator is turned on, you can clearly observe the
distribution of lines of electric force.
(3)
The demonstration of point discharge
Place metal pointed bodies between the upper and lower dome halves, exposed to
the dome exterior. When the generator is in operation, you can see the spark
discharge at the metal points in a darkened room.
(4)
Hair Raising
Place the device on an insulated surface and remove the discharge electrode.
Have an adult volunteer stand on an insulating surface such as a plastic stool,
rubber mat, etc. Have the volunteer place one hand on the dome, while you
switch the device on. Hair should begin to rise after 1 minute. If not, check for
current leakage caused by worn accessories, nearby objects, etc. Hair type (thin
hair is best) and length (longer hair is better) are important factors, and should be
considered when selecting a volunteer. When finished, have the volunteer quickly
remove their hand from the dome and step away. Make sure to use an insulating
object to switch the device off, else you become the ground (OUCH!).
