Supercharge Your DIY Static Grass Applicator With This SECRET Modification (167)

Most if not all DIY static grass applicators shown on KZbin suffer from one common problem which limits their effectiveness. In this video I'll show you how you can add this easy modification used in commercial units that will greatly increase the effectiveness of your unit and eliminate the chance of occasional shocks. So let's get started!
By the way you can download the circuit diagram for my static grass applicator at this website larrypuckett.wordpress.com

[@RobertRule-vl6vb]

I am in the process of building a static grass applicator and your video precisely answered the question I was wrestling with on where to mount the positive wire (front screen or behind it with a metal plate or washer). Thanks so much!!

[@CrewsRail]

Config 3 is close to adding a toothed piece to help break up the grass, but one other thing you could do is change that nylon nut with a metal one same threading. keeping the nylon screw in place

[@ronduz1281]

Door #3 it is! You hit another one out of the park. Great video you looked at all the scenarios. Keep them coming Larry

[@frank1672]

Am I glad I found this Vlog! all the best solutions are staring you in the face. Thanks for sharing I've had more shocks than Frankenstein's Monster.💥💥💥

[@lunondisposable5382]

I also like this idea because you don't have to worry about making sure the wire is touching the mesh

[@RevTed47]

Larry I've learned so much from your videos! Thank you. I built the "super-charged" static grass applicator according to your instructions usig PVC + the same RubberMaid cup with metal screen and with the washer in the back. When I bring the ground probe close to the washer I have good 1/8" spark but it does not raise even 6m grass no matter how close i bring the applicator to the test board.

[@TheDCCGuy]

You might try moving the supply wire from the washer to the screen to get a stronger electrostatic field and see if that helps. Just be careful not to zap yourself.

[@RevTed47]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks Larry, I'll give that a try.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry, I pray your feeling better.

[@davidstead4048]

Great idea . I will try the last method

[@trekkieshazz]

Thank you so much for this! I was shocking myself quite often and have just modified mine to look like yours. Works a treat! Thank you.

[@robertpetit57]

In the electrical industry we use what is called a "fender washer" one of those may give you a larger area for your positive electrode. And, yes Safety First, kudos for using the nylon screw! And thank you for getting the vaccine! I will be getting mine as soon as I can. Stay safe and healthy Sir!

[@TheDCCGuy]

Thanks, I do have a large fender washer if I go with a larger Skippy jar. The one I have was a bit too big for the Rubbermaid container. With the brass washer connection to the positive wire I can easily swap out various washers, screens, etc. to see how that might affect efficiency. However I could easily run out of time if I got bogged down in that kind of exercise.

[@ricksavaiano5640]

Very well done. I am going to convert my applicator per your third example. I pray that you are feeling better.

[@johnmiller2880]

Thank you so much for these 3 videos!!! I have been delaying and delaying static grass but these 3 videos gave me the confidence to build my own. I have all the parts and pieces coming and can't wait to build my own. Thanks again. As someone who has worked with video a lot, there are a tons of behind the scene hours that go into each of these videos and I appreciate all of your hard work in bringing these to the community.

[@nicholasarthur5525]

you prolly dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tips you can give me!

[@marlonxander3559]

@Nicholas Arthur instablaster :)

[@nicholasarthur5525]

@Marlon Xander I really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@nicholasarthur5525]

@Marlon Xander it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass!

[@marlonxander3559]

@Nicholas Arthur Happy to help :)

[@allanatwick1606]

Glad I watched all the videos on this, it's made it much easier for me, I had a few questions and you've answered them all. Nice and easy to watch and understand plus the experimentation with different configurations was extremely helpful. For me the washer in the back of the hopper is the only way to go. It's way safer and the difference is obvious. Cudos to the man who passed this information on to you, I doubt I would ever have found that out otherwise. Big thank you for making these videos and taking the time to explore the options, from here in South Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿, take care and stay safe

[@joevalentine2048]

Great video Larry and the best home made applicator I’ve seen yet. I think one of the commercial applicators uses a brass sheet material cut with jagged edges. Not quite sure why but perhaps to increase the surface area or to help break up the clumps of grass. Thanks for your leadership in making these videos. They save the rest of us from going off blindly in all directions.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I think the jagged edges direct the electrons and spread them around, it makes a good story anyway.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Larry. Nice experiment. I too wasn't expecting a great deal of difference in the results (it will be good to see how the 12mm grass works), but it is obviously safer to have the cathode safely out of harm's way. Well done.

[@cosmiccouplet]

Love this was worried about letting the kids try. Now I can be more confident, but I'll still be right there to make sure it's safe.

[@shiroumxm2052]

there is no reason to give a few thounsand volts toy to a kid

[@cosmiccouplet]

@@shiroumxm2052 my son solders better than me. Old hands. The 'kids' are 20+, but I apologize for my mistake.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Thanks, Larry another great Video, I too had my Covid 19 Vaccination and also felt a wee bit unwell, as you said l suffered from ‘Flu like Symptoms. Trust that you are feeling better. Keep safe.

[@railbuilderdhd]

Because the newer options are safe I’ll be updating my applicator for sure. Glad you got your vaccine. I’m still waiting from FFX Co health to get scheduled myself. Maybe we can get to a point that we can visit layouts again.

[@peterbarker2216]

Take care we can wait

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Nice vid. Seems like option 3 is best as a good size bronze washer is easier to solder, and the behind the grass nylon bolt connection is safer.

[@frankhellman6879]

Now you've done it! It was supposed to be a SECRET!!! 😆 Hope you're feeling better shortly. I just got over the 19 about a week ago. Fortunately not hospital-worthy. Still fatigued and don't have my smell & taste back 100%, but no complaints at all considering what's happening to others.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Mine was just a fog after getting the vaccine, no headaches or muscle/joint aches like they warn about. I am 100% today, but my wife would tell you I’m still only 100% of 50%.

[@ducomaritiem7160]

I just build one! Works great thanx

[@TheDCCGuy]

Great to hear!

[@imdeaded]

How about a charge on the mesh and a washer on the back? How far is the applicator from the surface? Test short grass and longer grass?

[@zenegillette3938]

Thanks a million, prob equal to the $300 one. Wondered why large steel washer instead of brass? Zene

[@kevinmartin1065]

Hi Larry, I love watching your videos, this has been very informative and I have just ordered the parts to have a go at making my own. Just wondered why you switch the negative and not the positive (Live).

[@TheDCCGuy]

I’ve tried it both ways and it didn’t seem to matter-easy to test on your version.

[@markb8753]

Larry, I've seen a couple of you static grass application modification videos and the comparisons you did with moving the positive wire back inside the grass holder. You mentioned trying this on some longer 12mm grass to see if it made more of a difference. I made a simple 3 volt applicator that works great with upto 7mm grass, but my 12 does not stand up at all. I was wondering if I needed more voltage or to simply make the modification you showed with moving the positive wire. Thanks for the Videos.

[@TheDCCGuy]

After doing the math and realizing 12mm gras is scale 3-4 feet tall I decided not to bother with it. For HO and OO 6-7mm seems likely to be the tallest I will ever need. I think that for 12mm you would need the commercial devices designed to handle that longer material.

[@jolliemark6294]

Thanks for the info, it looks to me as the larger washer worked the best, I couldn't tell jhow far you had the screen from the glue but it is my understanding just a few inches id best (2"to 3"), and keeping it even is even better, But like you I think the large washer is safer and better in your example...thanks for sharing....

[@TheDCCGuy]

I was within an inch or two all the time when dispensing. I tried to keep everything constant each time so as to make it a more direct comparison of the different positive electrode configurations. You could spend days if not weeks testing different configs.

[@jolliemark6294]

@@TheDCCGuy great I couldn't tell, very hood!

[@markinguelph7786]

Hi - Great video! Question - do you use the bronze washer simply because you can solder to it? Thanks again Mark.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, much easier than to a steel washer and they had them at Ace hardware when I went looking.

[@imdeaded]

Copper washer? Something that conducts better?

[@PeterMartinPhoto]

Thanks for these great videos Larry. I really cannot justify the insane sum of $110 for a Woodland Scenics device so will be using a combination of your design with a few ideas from Luc as well. Two quick questions...does it matter whether you use aluminium vs. steel mesh? and did you find the larger grass sizes worked alright with the standard mesh opening? Thanks in advance for your time!

[@railfan1956]

I have a 12V Woodland Scenics Static King. You will get shocked if you touch it. Are you recommending the cable be touched to the screen before applying static grass? Thanks

[@TheDCCGuy]

What I meant was after you turn off the unit there may be some residual juice that can be dissipated by grounding the screen by just touching the free wire to it.

[@ajkleipass]

On #3, would the size of the steel washer - thickness and / or diameter - play a role in its effectiveness? The thing that comes to mind is one of those small heatsinks, say an inch square with vertical fins.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, you could spend weeks trying out different configurations. I could have experimented with the size of the washer, size and composition of the screen, size and shape of the container, etc. But I wanted to keep it a simple straightforward comparison.

[@ajkleipass]

@@TheDCCGuy -- Thanks, Larry. I've tried the fly swatter design, which was underwhelming. I've now ordered the ion generator you use in your design (yes, same dealer as you still sells it). So we shall see what 'shocking' things I can come up with. 😉

[@doublediamondrailroad5949]

3 is more Concentrated and looks darker, thicker. #3!

[@michaelkendrick97]

Hi . I wanted to know if the LOK Sound Programmer can program other brand decoders?

[@TheDCCGuy]

If it can I have never found a way.

[@TheOriginalBadger]

Could you wire it up directly to a wall wart? I'm thinking 12v would give you more voltage than a 9v battery, but not as much as the OTT negative ion generator. Somewhere in the middle ground?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, and if you watch the preceding video I tell you where you can get a circuit diagram for that arrangement.

[@TheOriginalBadger]

@@TheDCCGuy Awesome. Thanks! :)

[@TalkingGIJoe]

I think you forget that one of the reasons for having the charged screen at the front is that if you pass it over the flocked surface you can pull some of the flock straight up as the charge still will attract the flock without pulling it out of the glue...

[@TheDCCGuy]

The electrostatic field is there no matter whether the positive electrode is up front or in the rear.

[@goneloco1]

Thanks I will definitely be making one of these, and great to hear that you got the vaccination.

[@TA-kr1di]

Does it matter if you put the positive to the ground instead of at the shaker?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I always put negative to ground but you can give it a try and see what happens. Easy enough to mov3 i5 back if it doesn’t work.

[@jeffbutler4067]

I have just received two negative Ion generator and wired them up to match your wiring sheet, but the wire mesh wire and the ground wire do not give off a static charge on both generators. The generators that came have two white wires I assume that they are the mesh and ground wires

[@TheDCCGuy]

Why 2 and how did you connect them? Try it with just 1 and see what happens.

[@jeffbutler4067]

Thank you for the reply--Having connected each generator to a 9volt battery and putting the ends of the mesh and ground wire together I get nothing . What is the name of the generator you use in your video 166 and 167 .

[@TheDCCGuy]

If you read the description to the videos I included that info.

[@j.mcq.8418]

I'm ready to build one of these. One question: what are the dimensions of the holes in your screen?

[@TheDCCGuy]

The small ones are just plain old window screen. The larger screen is 1/4” hardware cloth. I don’t find the large one useful as it is so big everything smaller than the largest static grass just pours out as soon as you flip it.

[@cliffbell3155]

Good idea. does it matter what size washer it is,can you use a larger washer?

[@TheDCCGuy]

No, I just went with what fits. However watch video #182 before doing this as it has an even better modification.

[@cliffbell3155]

OK. Thanks. I'm 47 yrs old and I've and I'm doing my first ever model diarama. WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE!!!! lol. I love it. Taking time on all the detail and stuff. Very relaxing!

[@cliffbell3155]

..or it's a midlife crisis 😁lol

[@leonardosouza6290]

I just arrive in the channel 2 videos later, did you have a vídeo of applicator build?

[@TheDCCGuy]

See #165 & 166

[@michaelball738]

I'd like to ask, does it matter if the screen material is metal or plastic?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have never seen anyone use anything but metal and am not sure how the screen material would function as part of the electrostatic field. It may be that you need an electrically conductive material in that location to get it to work.

[@michaelball738]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank You very much. I'll try one of each and let You know how it works out.

[@douglasallen511]

At what point will you try to apply 12mm grass?

[@TheDCCGuy]

As soon as I can find some.

[@Ron_Ventura]

For the third method, couldn’t you have just soldered the positive wire to the large washer directly?

[@donaldshroyer8633]

I don't think you can solder steel.

[@TheDCCGuy]

First, the hole in the center of the washer was bigger than the nut so the brass/bronze washer was there to hold it on place. I probably could have soldered to the steel washer but this made it easier to swap the screen and larger washer.

[@haigjansz5643]

@@donaldshroyer8633 Rubbish

[@earlfreeman93]

I must be an internet dummy; because I tapped on the address in the box where you have posted it. The phone took me to the website's home page which said ljpucket was another one of it sit; so I clicked on the tab and nothing happened; I tried everything that I could think of and still couldn't get off of the home page other where they want you to set up an account or to edit your page. I really would like copies of your wiring diagram; it looks as if that is not to be.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Sorry about that but the address should have been larrypuckett.wordpress.com .

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I would try #2.... With Steel Screen, just because it's more conductive than Aluminum.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Hard to find around here. Most stores just have the aluminum or plastic covered stuff.

[@geraldjones2278]

@@TheDCCGuy What about using a piece of copper sheeting cut to the size of the screen?

[@MandaloretheSavage]

I am looking this video for the civud vaccine call out, get that shot.