1. Store overnight in closed case with an incandescent light bulb (75-100
watts) - turned on, of course (the bulb, not the generator!).
2. Wipe down surfaces (inside and outside) with alcohol (I get the 200 proof
stuff from our chem stockroom). This may require that you partially
dismantle the unit.
3. Dry again with a blowdryer once its set up.
No guarantees, but this combination usually helps in central Virginia (not
quite as humid as Florida!).
******************************************************
"The lesser of two evils
still leaves you with evil."
- Ralph Nader
******************************************************
George Spagna
Department of Physics
Randolph-Macon College
P.O. Box 5005
Ashland, VA 23005-5505
phone: (804) 752-7344 FAX (804) 752-4724
e-mail: gspagna@rmc.edu http://www.rmc.edu/~gspagna/
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom McCarthy [mailto:TMccarthy@STEDS.ORG]
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2000 4:16 PM
To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
Subject: Van de Graaf Generator
I am a Floridian with lots of humidity to contend with. Consequently, I
cannot get my VdG to reproduce some of the cool things I have seen it do.
Most important, I cannot get it to throw a spark across a Leydon jar. When
it's working, it's awesome. Any suggestions on how to get the most out of
the machine? Thanks in advance. We are doing a benefit to raise money for
a children's museum and we're doing a host of demos. If any one has an
entertaining favorite please pass it along.