This file is one of the Wolfstone archives of the Halloween mailing lists. You can find out more, and reach the entire collection here: http://www.pobox.com/~wolfstone/_r/HalloweenArchive.html This is a copy of Don Bertino's archive from http://www.calweb.com/~bertino/halloween.html on the subject of "Jacob's Ladders". Minor changes have been made, mostly removal of E-mail headers and signatures, but the germane content is unchanged. - - Date: Fri, 29 Sep 1995 14:46:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Don Bertino Subject: Re: Jacob's Ladder On Thu, 28 Sep 1995 Stuart_McIntire_at_AISDC at ccsmtp.uage.com wrote: > I've read the postings re: the Jacob's Ladder. I've seen this in use in a > Jaycees haunted house some 15 years ago or so. Can anyone tell me how to > make one? I understand I'll need a transformer of the sort used in neon > signs...what other materials will I need and how do I assemble one? Hi Stu! First off, be real careful about placement. We are talking about 5,000 volts 1 amp here. This will knock you on your butt, and could *kill* someone. Also it could be a fire hazard, the arc I mean. Saying this, I have two ;) Check a Neon light sign maker... Most Neon light transformers are changed with the lights. They will generally sell them for $5-10. Take a wire hanger, make two straight lines 18" each. Use steel wool and/or sandpaper to clean off any paint or coating. Attached one to each terminal, bend the wire so that the base of the wire is between 1/2 to 1 inch apart and the top being 2-3 inches apart. You will have to adjust it, to make sure it starts and then how high you want the arc to go. - - Date: Wed, 4 Oct 1995 11:41:27 -0700 From: milwiron at ix.netcom.com (D.D. ) Subject: Re: Jacob's Ladder You wrote: >Hey maybe I am a little slow or something but could someone send me >some more info on how to exactly build this sucker? I was also >wondering if the transformer for my neon plate frame on my truck would >have the power to make >one..I think its about 5000v at 600mA? Anyway more info from anyone >would be really apprecited because I dont want to do it wrong and fry >something..maybe >me? Thanx..Mike Baker Hi Mike, The neon transformers they sell for automotive use are solid state which won't take the abuse of "shorting out" in a Jacob's Ladder. You need to find an outdoor style, core and coil, neon sign transformer. Check sign shops or flea-markets. Outdoor style transformers have the secondary connections on the ends not in the center area of the case. Don's instructions that he posted a few days ago are right-on for setting it up. You can attach the coat hanger wire to the secondary screws, bend the wire in over the top (leave clearance over the steel case) and adjust your spark gap so the arc will self start. Angle the wires apart slightly to allow the arc to climb. For God's sake keep these things far away from fingers. E-Mail me if you need any other help on it. - - Date: Tue, 10 Oct 95 15:22:36 EDT From: lewisw at oasys.dt.navy.mil (Bill Lewis) Subject: Re: Jacob's Ladder >God's sake keep these things far away from fingers. I made (well actually assisted) a Jacobs Ladder in High school with another student. We did exactly as Don said. Anyway a quick thought on keeping fingers out, and maybe even increasing the prop effect. How about using a (cheap) glass hurricane lamp that are normally used for candles. It offers some protection from bystanders, and might even look cool. Though I'd keep the ladder arc as far away as feasible so as not to make any localized hot spots on the glass. Otherwise ther might be a shattering effect. - - Date: Mon, 2 Oct 95 11:57:43 PDT From: lfarr at santa.stratacom.com (Lisa Farr) Subject: Jacobs ladder Jacobs ladders are great fun - however, realize that they wreak havoc with ANY electric appliance in the vicinity. You probably don't want to have the stereo on, or even in the same room. I work for a telecommunications company. We used to use a jacobs ladder to test our equipment for susceptibility to high levels of emissions. Some circuits would get SERIOUSLY hosed. You can usually find cheap used transformers at your local swap meet. - -