The Wimshurst Machine - AstroMedia
The classic high-voltage generator as a fully functional cardboard kit. Wimshurst machines, invented around 1880, were for a long time the only reliable sources of high voltage, as they were needed for X-ray apparatus, among other things. Today they can be found, artfully restored, in museums such as the Mathematical-Physical Salon in the Dresden Zwinger and some in school collections, where they facilitate important experiments on electrical charges.
Electrification machines of similar design were already used 200 years ago in fine salons, where society amused itself with experiments such as the "electric kiss": the gentleman who dared to give the charged lady a kiss received a blow in return.
Despite the up to 70,000 volts, even an unintentional touch of this Wimshurst machine is not dangerous: the capacity of the two Leiden bottles, i.e. the capacitors, is such that the strength of discharges remains far below the limits set by the authorities. A literally highly exciting pleasure for all those who have always wanted to really let it rip!
A detailed illustrated construction report can be found here.
Instructions for improving performance and demonstrating the effect of charges and high field strengths can be found in pdf form under Product Attachments.
| Aspiration scale: | Challenging |
|---|---|
| Time Line: | 12 Hours |
10 pre-punched and printed sheets of construction cardboard, DIN A4
1 pre-punched and printed sheet of construction paper, DIN A4
1 pre-punched sheet of aluminum foil, DIN A4, self-adhesive
incl. accessories:
2 sheets of PVC, 105 x 297 x 0.3 mm, transparent (Leidener bottles)
2 discs of acrylic glass, 210 mm (OD) x 6 mm (ID) x 2mm, transparent (louvre discs)
4 wooden balls, Ø 10 mm, with half hole Ø 5.3 mm (ball electrodes)
2 wooden balls, Ø 20 mm, with half hole Ø 5.3 mm (ball electrodes)
2 wooden balls, Ø 20 mm, with through hole Ø 5.3 mm (ball electrodes)
2 wooden rods, Ø 5 mm x 45 mm (ball electrodes)
2 wooden rods, Ø 5 mm x 480 mm (ball electrodes)
2 perforated discs made of pressed cork, 19.5 mm (OD) x 4 mm (ID) x 5 mm (ball electrode holders)
1 rubber shrink tube, Ø 6.4 mm x 140 mm, black (ball electrode insulation)
1 wooden rod, Ø 5 mm x 40 mm (crank handle)
2 bent parts made of spring steel wire, 119 x 47 x 2.5 mm, cross section Ø 2.5 mm (current collector electrodes)
1 crossbar made of acrylic glass, 190 x 20 x 4 mm (insulating crossbeam)
1 threaded rod made of metal, M4, Ø 4 mm x 106 mm (running axle)
4 metal body discs, 15 mm (OD) x 4.3 mm (ID) x 1.5 mm (barrel axle)
2 metal nuts, M4, 7 x 3 mm (barrel axle)
1 aluminum tube, 6 mm (AD) x 4 mm (ID) x 84 mm (barrel axle)
1 aluminum tube, 6 mm (AD) x 4 mm (ID) x 127 mm (drive shaft)
5 disks made of hard PVC, 20 mm (AD) x 6 mm (ID) x 1 mm (bearings for the barrel axle and drive shaft)
2 O-rings made of NBR, 9 mm (AD) x 4.5 mm (ID) x 2.5 mm, black (drive shaft)
1 braided copper wire, tinned, 2 x 150 mm, cross section Ø 0.75 mm (collector brushes)
1 6-pin terminal block, 57 x 17 x 20 mm, white (collector brush holders)
4 Cardboard nails made of metal, Ø 2.5 mm x 30 mm (compensating electrodes)
2 rubber rings, Ø 90 x 5 x 1 mm, black (drive belt)
detailed assembly instructions
Dimensions of the built article: approx. 24 x 19 x 28.5 cm
Construction time: approx. 12 hours
Distributor:
PGI-Skarabäus, Im Kränzliacker 9, 79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany, pgi-shop.de
PGI-Skarabäus, Lerchenstrasse 38, 4147 Aesch, Switzerland, pgi-shop.ch
Manufacturer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Children under 14 years of age should only use the kit and the built model under adult supervision to avoid risks caused by improper handling.
Be careful with small parts: Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of reach of small children.
Risk of injury: Be especially careful when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care, taking appropriate safety precautions if necessary to avoid injury.
Risk of fire and explosion: Keep away from open flames and heat sources. The product contains highly flammable materials. The components of the kit can release pollutants when burned. Never work near flammable liquids and gases as sparks may occur.
Using adhesive: When using adhesive, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Avoid contact: Avoid direct contact with electrical parts during operation. Spark discharges are caused by the low current.
Commissioning: Do not use near sensitive devices. High voltage can damage electronic devices. Warn people with pacemakers that high voltage, even at low current levels, can be potentially dangerous. If necessary, ventilate the room after commissioning, as ozone formation occurs due to electric arcs.
Intended use: The kit may only be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Independent modifications may affect the functionality and safety of the built model.
Die Wimshurst-Maschine - Deutsch€49.90
€47.41
€44.91
€39.92