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Build a simple Marx Generator

by Plasmana on August 25, 2008 Table of Contents intro: Build a simple Marx Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 1: So, how does it work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 2: The dangers you must know... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 3: What you will need are... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 4: Also you need the tools! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 5: Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 6: The construction of the marx generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 7: Spark gaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 8: Testing... Testing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 9

step 10: SPARKS!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Customized Instructable T-shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

intro: Build a simple Marx Generator

Do you like the idea of tesla coils and other high voltage sparking stuff, but don't have the time, money or patience to build something that is elaborate? Well, here's a fun 'n' simple project that can make big, fat, noisy sparks at least 2 inches long, and can be built very quickly and cheaply. It might be even more fun to use a marx generator than using a 'very complicated to build' tesla coil! And to let you know, this "Quick & Dirty" Marx generator website helped me a lot to build this marx generator. If you have no idea what is a marx generator, you might be saying this in your mind "What the hell is a marx generator!", read about it here on Wikipedia. WARNING! This project generates very high pulse discharge voltages, which can seriously harm and could be potentially lethal to you and others that are careless to touch the output of the marx generator.

Video

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 1: So, how does it work?

The Marx generator consists of an array of resistors, capacitors and spark gaps arranged as follows in the schematic... The capacitors are charged up in parallel through the resistors, so they each become charged to the input voltage. When all of the spark gaps fires (sparks), the capacitors get effectively connected in series, therefor multiplying the input voltage by the number of capacitors and causing a long spark at the end of the marx generator. Rb has a ballasting effect, it is used to prevent a continuous arc forming across the first gap - this prevents further firing of the marx generator. The value of the resistor will mainly depend on the type of power supply is used, in this case, we are going to use an 10M resistor for this marx generator on this instructable. However, you can reduce the Bb's value to try get more 'bangs per second' without causing an arc forming on the spark gap... Now, you know how it works (I hope), so lets build it!

Image Notes 1. This is where you get a big spark. 2. Spark gap. 3. All the resistors are 1M 1 watt. 4. Any value ceramic capacitor with voltage ratings of 4 - 8Kv. 5. 10M 1 watt resistor.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 2: The dangers you must know...

The marx generators are dangerous high voltage generating machines, they produce a pulse discharge of many thousands of volts at approximately 5 to 10 amps! If the spark from the marx generator bites you, your life is over... There is one thing you must know, a healthy human heart can only withstand electric currents maximum 10mA. Currents over 10mA can results death, I am NOT joking here, this is serous stuff, a lot of people thinks your heart can handle currents up to 500mA, THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! THEY ARE WRONG!!! If you don't believe me, then test your self against a high voltage 500mA power supply, a small microwave transformer would do, put your hand on one lead, put your other hand on the other lead, turn on the power supply and you will be sorry... The marx generator will also be dangerous after the power is turned off, because the capacitors will hold a lethal charge in them, so, MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU DRAIN ALL THE CAPACITORS BEFORE YOU TOUCH THE DEVICE!!! Otherwise you will get a 'surprise shock' form the capacitors which can seriously harm you or even death... Also, every time a marx generator fires (make a spark), it kicks out a lot of UV radiation, and sometimes X-rays! Staring at the sparks form the marx generator can cause problems with your eyes, so wear UV sunglasses or briefly watch it every once a while. Okay, you might be a bit scared after reading this horrible step, so do you think you can build a marx generator? Or find it too dangerous to build it? The choice is yours...

step 3: What you will need are...

I based the components I had easily available. The recommended components you should get are ceramic capacitors and 1M 1 watt resistors. The ceramic capacitors are best suited for this project, because they are cheap, readily available, and they are good for in pulse discharge circuits. Polypropylene pulse-rated capacitor would also work well, but are more expensive, and harder to find with high voltage ratings. The resistors should be about 1M and 1 watt type, the normal 1/4 watt resistors are very unsuitable, if used, it will cause arcing and the resistors will burn out and damage the marx generator, so use the 1 watt metal glazed or carbon film resistors is suitable. If in doubt, try building just a couple of stages first to see how well the parts you use will work before you buy more... But I will tell you what I used... Ten 1nF, 4Kv ceramic capacitors Twenty 1M, 2 watt, 500v carbon film resistors (I brought the 2 watt resistors because they are somewhat cheaper then the 1 watt resistors!) Two 4.7M, 1 watt, 3.5Kv metal glazed resistor for the Rb. Also you can use a base for your marx generator, the best suited base are glass (too fragile), ceramic (it's breakable) plastics (ideal, but some of them may be

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

conductive), or whatever you think it is good! I use wood, a very baaad idea (because wood is conductive), but I have no choice, wooden base or no base. You can use capacitors with larger values to get fatter, louder sparks, but take longer to recharge! You can often run capacitors in excess of their rated voltage, but obviously this increased the risk of failure! And don't forget, the size of sparks at the output gap will depend on the input voltage and number of stages... (UPDATE) I got all my components from Farnell. Here is a list of things you will need to get if you are going to buy the components from Farnell. 1nF 4Kv ceramic capacitors 1M 2 watt 500v carbon film resistors 4.7M 1 watt 3.5Kv metal glazed resistor

step 4: Also you need the tools!

Also you need the tools! What you will really need is a soldering iron! Or you will have a pain in the ass time to build the marx generator, and get very poor results because of the corona discharge... You will need a helpers hands, they are very useful to have, they help you to get the job done quicker. If you don't have one, MAKE ONE! Salvaged Solder Helper Hot glue gun is also very handy, it holds everything in place. And you may need other common tools for this project...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 5: Power supply

The marx generator requires a low-current, high voltage DC in the range 4-8KV power supply. Small, low-current HV power supplies are found in things like ionisers (air purifiers), photocopiers and laser printers, those should be suitable. I made my own 6Kv power supply for my marx generator. My power supply is a small homemade 350v inverter with a 18 stage voltage multiplier to get about 6.3Kv. OR, you can make your own power supply for your marx generator, go to this instructable: High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator Also the marx generator has no polarity, you can connect it to the HV power supply in any way round.

step 6: The construction of the marx generator.

Depending how you want your marx generator, I will tell you how I did mine... I first hot glue the capacitors on the base. Then I soldered the 1M resistors on the capacitors using my handy helper's hands, and cutting off the excess resistor's leads. But I did not cut the capacitor's lead down, you will see why on the next step... Then I soldered the 4.7M resistors in. And one more thing, make sure you have good solder joints, and make sure they are no pointy ends on the marx generator, except the capacitor's leads and the HV output of the marx generator. Otherwise having pointy ends all over the marx generator will cause corona discharge, and that will decrease the performance of the marx generator.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Image Notes 1. HV output! 2. Rb resistors.

Image Notes 1. Good solder joint. 2. Capacitor's lead.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 7: Spark gaps

Okay, once you had soldered the capacitors and resistors all together, you need to make the spark gaps. This is what the capacitor's leads are for, making the spark gaps! Okay, so bend the leads into a "V" shape and bring the ends of the "V" shaped leads about 2 mm (about 0.08 inch) close together. But do not bring the pointy ends of the leads close together, that will cause a lot of corona discharge, and your marx generator will have very poor performance, or might not ever work...

Image Notes 1. Good. This is how you should do it.

Image Notes 1. Good solder joint. 2. Capacitor's lead.

Image Notes 1. This is where you get a big spark. 2. Spark gap. 3. All the resistors are 1M 1 watt. 4. Any value ceramic capacitor with voltage ratings of 4 - 8Kv. 5. 10M 1 watt resistor.

step 8: Testing... Testing...

All right, you had built a marx generator, and it is now time to test it! Wire up your marx generator to the HV power supply and flip the switch! 3... 2... 1... *Flips switch* And.....

SNAP
Wow!

SNAP
Cool!

SNAP
It works!!! Yay!

SNAP

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 9: Troubleshooting
If you have problems with your mark generator, read here... Q. - My marx generator is not making any sparks, but I hear faint hissing and/or faint snap noise, and sometimes see a purple glow. A. - This is a good thing, your marx generator is working, but one or more gaps are probably too far apart, push them closer together. If gaps are too close, especially near the supply end, you may see a continuous arc forming, preventing further operation. Increasing the gap on the first (and possibly second) stage may reduce the tendency to arc. Increasing the ballast resistor Rb also helps, at the expense of slower recharge time. Q. - My marx generator is not doing anything what so ever. A. - Is there something wrong with the inverter? Check it to see if it working or not. A. - Did you make sure you built the marx generator properly? A. - Did you miss out any connections? Q. - My marx generator is working, but after a few seconds, it made a "POP" noise, and it did not work again... A. - That is a bad sign, a capacitor may have been destroyed from excess voltage OR your HV power supply has been killed from the extremely high voltage spikes from the marx generator. Replace the capacitor/inverter and don't make that same mistake again...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

step 10: SPARKS!!!

My marx generator works very well, it generates loud, bright, sparks that are up to 2 inches long (5 cm)! That is about 50Kv (50,000v) coming out of that thing! Well I hope yours works when you build one! :) And can you post a picture of your marx generator if you build one? To let you know, all of the photos that has a few sparks in a single picture are 4 second long exposures. I hope you enjoyed this instructable, and enjoy the photos down below! And the video I just uploaded! Comment if you need help, have question, or anything! I like comments! (UPDATE) I just uploaded a video of my marx generator working, sorry for the poor quality with no sounds, I had used my crappy camera. :(

Video

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Image Notes 1. 2 inch long spark!!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Image Notes 1. A spark from my Marx Generator.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Related Instructables

High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator by Plasmana

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Build A Plasma Speaker by Plasmana

Make an Ultra Simple High Voltage Generator by Plasmana

High Voltage (guide) by Plasmana

Tesla Coils For Dummies (slideshow) by Xellers

Build a Variable High Voltage Power Supply by burningsuntech

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 324 comments
Jan 16, 2009. 9:13 PM REPLY

ciaagent says:
ooho nice :d

Mr. Apol says:

Hello, I am assembling the parts to build a Marx generator (you inspired me), but I have a couple of questions.

Jan 16, 2009. 7:47 AM REPLY

1. Can I use a Wimshurst machine as a power source? The output is DC, probably in the 20k to 30k range, with very low amperage. 2. Could I use a modified negative ion generator, such as offered here: http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G1783 Thanks for the input.

Xellers says:

Jan 16, 2009. 9:37 AM REPLY Don't try a winhurst device. If it would wor for a Marx generator, I would not like to imagine the capacitors that you would need. You'd need something like 50kV pulse capacitors that cost a fortune each, and it might not even work. If you took th 7.5kV negative ion generator however, it would work.

rocket100 says:
can you use a pizoelectric igniter to power the marx generator? please answer thank you!

Jan 7, 2009. 2:50 PM REPLY

Xellers says:
No.

Jan 9, 2009. 7:43 PM REPLY

astro boy says:

Jan 7, 2009. 7:33 PM REPLY probably not because capacitors need a constant flow of electricity I think but its probably unlikely but might work if you push the igniter lots it might charge the capacitors but might not someone will have to confirm this ps thats where you come in

theta_STONeR says:

Dec 24, 2008. 2:56 AM REPLY Hi!! i wanted to build a marx generator for voltage as low as 5-10V, so dat after amplification i can get voltage around 40-50V....is it possible??? If yes then what values capacitors and resistors i will have to use....Plz do reply.

skuitarman says:
all you need is some 5-10v capacitors and just put them in series and there you go

Dec 31, 2008. 4:56 PM REPLY

Xellers says:

Dec 30, 2008. 3:41 PM REPLY No, you cannot build a low voltage generator like this. If you want to make a low voltage step up converter, you can take apart a flash camera, and remove its large capacitor. You will get 300-400VDC from a 1.5V battery.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

theta_STONeR says:

Dec 30, 2008. 11:41 PM REPLY Thank You for your reply!! The capacitor from a flash camera will be of wat approx. value??? and in which circuit i've to use it to step up the voltage??? Can u please help me with the circuit diagram...this is a part of my college project, and i need some serious help.

Xellers says:

Dec 31, 2008. 4:39 PM REPLY A flash camera capacitor is usually rated to about 330V at 80-120uf. The camera's circuit acts like a step up converter. You put in1.5VDCD into the battery socket, and if you desolder the capacitor and close the switch on the circuit board, you will get 300 volts on the leads that the capacitor was attached to. On this website, there is an instructable on making a Nixie tube power supply from a flash camera it shows you how to do what I'm talking about. Take a look at it.

guyfrom7up says:
Nope, sunglasses won't cut it. They will barely protect you from this You need special glasses meant for lasers, they cost about 30 bucks if you want to be safe. you can get them at wicked laser, but never buy your lasers there, the owner is a bad man, but the glasses are good. I'd assume you would want the ones that block uv

Aug 28, 2008. 6:01 AM REPLY

skuitarman says:
how is he a bad man

Dec 31, 2008. 4:54 PM REPLY

Xellers says:
How do you know the owner is a bad man? You have sparked my curiosity! Say more!

Dec 30, 2008. 3:43 PM REPLY

Kryptonite says:

Dec 11, 2008. 3:57 PM REPLY I've been on Wicked Lasers, and why do you say not to buy lasers there? The comments look pretty bodged, but apart from that, why?

skuitarman says:

Dec 21, 2008. 9:59 PM REPLY I have A transformer from an old bug zapper the produces 5kv at 9ma, could I make the marx genarator you show how to make and power the it with the bug zapper transformer?

Xellers says:

Dec 30, 2008. 3:42 PM REPLY All you need are capacitors that can stand up to about 20kV to make yur generator. They are cheap online from surplus dealers.

Plasmana says:
Yes, it should work.

Dec 22, 2008. 1:23 PM REPLY

LaxLuvr says:
I really want to know how to make a small harmless spark generator powered by a AA battery

Dec 19, 2008. 6:51 PM REPLY

skuitarman says:

Dec 24, 2008. 7:34 PM REPLY you can just take a piezoelectric ignitor from a lighter and use that as a spark generator. trust me it is harmless (i shocked my brother with one so many times )

skuitarman says:
.

Dec 23, 2008. 11:20 AM REPLY

skuitarman says:
could I use 3kv 5pf capacitors instead

Dec 22, 2008. 3:17 PM REPLY

bwpatton1 says:
Uhh... Wood isnt conductive. Is it?

Dec 14, 2008. 12:17 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

biolethal says:
wood is not conductive, or it has a very high resistance. but at high voltages it is a very poor insulator.

Dec 21, 2008. 8:56 AM REPLY

Plasmana says:
Yes, wood is conductive, because it has conductive particles (like iron, copper, and so on) and water moisture.

Dec 14, 2008. 3:10 PM REPLY

ushirmaharaj says:
can i use a flyback to power it

Dec 16, 2008. 10:35 AM REPLY

Kryptonite says:

Dec 11, 2008. 4:53 PM REPLY Sweet, over powered electricity, I like it. What can you actually use one of these for though? (I meen apart from a sweet electric zap.)

Kryptonite says:
Hey Plasmana, Sweet as, but what's wrong with a continuous spark? Not that I'm doubting you, I'm just curious.

Dec 11, 2008. 3:47 PM REPLY

rokaboi says:
The supply here is 220v 50 Hz. Can I still use it as the input?

Dec 9, 2008. 11:23 PM REPLY

rileyburris says:

Dec 9, 2008. 7:19 AM REPLY well let me start by telling you who I am 1. I have a masters in welding 2. I have over 15 yrs in Industrial Engineering Technology I design prototypes for a energy company. what he is telling you is true it can kill you it only takes 1ma to kill all you have to have is a break in the skin 1volt 1ma and you can have a heart problem and not knowing it and its over seen with my own eyes it happens and for eye safety number 5 shade to 8 shade brazing goggles will do just fine.

PhahQ says:

Dec 6, 2008. 1:45 PM REPLY What's the main difference between this Marx Generator and the Cockroft-Walton Generator in your other Instructable? I mean, why not just build a Cockroft-Walton with twice as many stages rather than building one just to power a Marx generator?

rocketgeek says:

Dec 7, 2008. 10:13 PM REPLY They do rather different things. A CW provides continous sorta-DC (lots of ripple), while a Marx generator provides a series of pulses. A Marx generator will therefore give you higher peak currents and power at the expense of not being DC. All depends on what you want it for. If you want to see a completely off the hook Marx generator, check out the National Pinch Facility.

christopherk239 says:
I think ur wrong. it takes 50MA or more to kill u. 10MA will only hurt a lot

Dec 6, 2008. 2:12 PM REPLY

Plasmana says:
Have it your way then...

Dec 6, 2008. 3:51 PM REPLY

V-Man737 says:
LMAO

Dec 7, 2008. 3:07 PM REPLY

jillg says:
how would you discharge the capacitors

Dec 4, 2008. 7:04 PM REPLY

Plasmana says:
The marx generator discharges automatically.

Dec 6, 2008. 3:50 PM REPLY

Robert L says:
(removed by community request)

Dec 3, 2008. 10:25 AM

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Plasmana says:

Dec 3, 2008. 3:30 PM REPLY It is okay to make an similar instructables, however, if you get the idea from somebody else, then you should leave credits for the creator, if the idea was completely yours, then you don't have to leave credits.

astrozombies138 says:
is 1nf one microfarad?

Aug 26, 2008. 11:44 PM REPLY

Plasmana says:
No, 1F is one farad 1F is one microfarad 1nF is one nanofarad 1pF is one picofarad

Aug 27, 2008. 1:31 AM REPLY

chriskarr says:

Nov 30, 2008. 6:09 PM REPLY I'm sorry to bother you, but i was wondering, how do you do the (micro) symbol. I've been in need of it in the past. While you're at it, for my future instructables, how do you make bullets in your instructables?

Plasmana says:
It is very easy: You put an asterisk (*) make a space between the asterisk and the text and your done! Like this:
* Text with bullet points

Dec 1, 2008. 4:07 PM REPLY

And you will get this: Text with bullet points

TheMadScientist says:

Aug 27, 2008. 12:04 PM REPLY need some help. there should be a way to remove the resistors from the equation, due to the fact, that they're there simply in order to connect the capacitors during the charging time, in order to charge all of them as if they were in parallel, this causes the individual charge to be only what the power supply can source, because capacitors in parallel raise the capacitance, not the voltage. but when the path breaks down, and it becomes easier to move through the spark gaps, they become aligned in series, and their total voltage becomes the sum of the individual voltages. possibly a high voltage switch of some sort, or a spark gap with a removable connector, could be used to bridge the gap while charging, preventing resistive losses, and be removed when the device is ready, making the only possible path through the spark gaps?

chriskarr says:
First of all, I love the Domo.

Nov 30, 2008. 6:07 PM REPLY

I'm honestly not sure about this question, but it seems that your best bet is to just use coils of wire with high resistance (like the stuff you can get out of toaster ovens) as resistors. That's what i would do, since the amperage isn't high enough to have much of an effect in heating it, and it wouldn't be as lossy as the resistors. One could experiment with what the optimum resistance would be for their power supply, spark gaps, and capacitance.

AdrianReef says:
what can happen if I place a coil ( big enough to handle that "juice") instead of a spark gap ?? may I use it to build a coil gun ? or ..will the voltage liquify the copper ?? x D

Nov 28, 2008. 2:17 PM REPLY

tiagocampb says:

Nov 14, 2008. 12:52 PM REPLY I'm really interested in building this marx generator but i have a doubt about the HV power supply. In response to an earlier coment, you said that the generator needs a DC input from the HV power supply. And i also read in the "High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator" text that it requires mains electricity. So: 1 Does it get AC input and deliver DC output? 2 i'll build it for a college experiment and i need to do it with the AA battery, will the HV power supply work as well? How can i make it foi the AA battery? Thanks in advance and congratulations for your work.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/

Plasmana says:
The voltage multiplier for the marx generator converts AC to DC as it multiplies the voltage.

Nov 16, 2008. 10:30 AM REPLY

tiagocampb says:

Nov 18, 2008. 11:49 AM REPLY I've just read in other people comments that you have used an inverter (which is a variation of you electronic shocker). My questions: 1 - what are the differences between the "electronic shocker" and the inverter? Can i buy those components used in the shocker and built one that will work with a voltage multiplier for the generator? 2 - It delivers DC to the voltage multiplier, so the multiplier also works with DC? If so, it's great, cause i don't want to use mains electricity. Thanks for your help.

tiagocampb says:
And how can i make a voltage multiplier just like the one in the introduction video with an AA battery?

Nov 16, 2008. 6:33 PM REPLY

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/