Make Artificial Lightning with Giant Oudin Coil

by John L. Welbourn

Editor's Note - This equipment is particularly suited for science class-room demonstrations. At no time should a demonstration be attempted by one unfamiliar with the apparatus. Although the giant brush discharge is harmless to the average person, a shock from any part of the equipment other than the high-frequency transformer will carry with it serious consequences to the person involved. It is suggested that when this apparatus is demonstrated before a group of persons, they be warned not to touch the apparatus and to stand a respectful distance from the low-voltage equipment.

The apparatus about to be described is capable of throwing a spark four and a half feet long. In spite of its deadly appearance, this spark is quite harmless. The operator may hold a metal rod in his hand and let it jump to the end of the rod and run through his body to ground, not only without harm, but without any sensation of shock. A rather spectacular stunt is to hold one wire leading to an incandescent light, and bring the other end near the coil. The lamp will be lighted by the current passing through the body and may in a few minutes even be burned out. A mystifying trick is to hold a short length of neon tube in one's hand, and approach the coil. Long before there is any sign of a spark jumping to the tube, it will light with its characteristic glow.