My in-work Haloween props

[Szyntax]

I've been working on a couple props for a Halloween party. First is the "Bubbler" it consists of lighted bubbling "test tubes" of Monster formula:

Next is a Jacobs Ladder (the prop with the electrodes the spark runs up)

I made both from scratch including the boxes. Most external parts are antiques from as early as the 1890's. All electrical components are modern (safe)

The bubbler is close to complete, the ladder is about 85% complete. Both are lighted and functional.

The two lights above the switches on the bubbler light up yellow, the two center red ones are lighted, and the two on the right change color from red/blue & red/green.

On the bubbler the volt meter is lighted (not easy on a item made in 1890) and the two lights on the right above the switches lare green and fade on and off.

 

[darthgordon]

These are really nice... classy looking.

 

[Tk-Devo]

Amazing work! They look very authentic! How'd you do the jacobs ladder? I'd love to have one! :lol

 

[Szyntax]

The Jacobs ladder uses a 15,000 volt neon sign transformer and wired with high voltage silicone wire. It's actually fairly easy to wire one. A quick check around the 'net will show lots of "how to" sites.

Mine uses a "Gabriel electrode" which is a 3rd electrode (the brass wire in the center) which helps in the initial ignition of the spark. It makes the ladder run more reliably and makes tuning the ladder much easier as you don't need the gaps to be perfect.

I use 3/16 brass rod, mine are 36" long each.

 

[Szyntax]

Oh, the two small wood blocks on the top of the ladder aren't part of it. They were just sitting there when I took the pic

 

[AJK001]

Nice!

 

[BDA TK7503]

When i was little my dad made a fast jacobs ladder with a neon transformer and #6 bare copper wire. Just get the leads close together but not touching.

 

[shotts63]

Looks cool!! Please post a video clip of them working.

 

[Risu]

I agree, I'd like to see a video, they look cool.

 

[Szyntax]

Ok, I'll try and get some up.

 

[Szyntax]

Here's an early test pic of the bubbler....bubbling

 

[Risu]

Woah, awesome!

 

[jgage]

I have similar ceramic standoffs to those. I built a Jacob's ladder with a 15/30 NST a few years ago and didn't have any problems running it without a Gabriel electrode. Yours looks a lot better than the one that I slapped together, though. I'm going for a scifi theme for Halloween this year and I figure I can dust it off.

 

[Szyntax]

Mine ran ok without the gabriel but it's sure a lot more reliable with one

 

[darthinvictus]

very cool!
drunks and electricity can be dangerous.............
or funny for the less squeamish

 

[Szyntax]

very cool!
drunks and electricity can be dangerous.............
or funny for the less squeamish

That's why the Jabobs Ladder will have a 6" dia acrylic tube around it when it's done.

 

[Szyntax]

 

[MooCriket]

Very Cool!!!