Testing The 50 Year Old Mercury Arc Rectifier

[@TheRCBasher69420]

Who else is overjoyed at the fact this legend has started to upload again, as I know I am

[@MichelLinschoten]

Ya! Super happy haha dude is a legend

[@richardelliott9980]

He is awesome science teacher but a good one

[@ゲリン]

Im super hyped 17 mins ago i rush to youtube idc if my noodle get burn (jk)

[@TheRCBasher69420]

@@richardelliott9980 if he was my science teacher I would not miss a day😂

[@cfothough]

ME! I watched his videos constantly when I was younger and I'm so glad to see he's back

[@samurboi8007]

"50 years of dust" Thats gonna be whoever plugs their phone into the wrong socket at your house mate

[@sinchrotron]

Bahahahaha

[@thepurdychannel8866]

@@sinchrotron ah yes one side 2v 1000a the other 400v 3 phase😂

[@ShifuCareaga]

genius comment

[@sinchrotron]

@@thepurdychannel8866 and no ground, please

[@FMR_317]

nah that’s gonna be the cat if it decides to “investigate” a little too much

[@wolfdale_3m]

Old intro? Ahh yes. The nostalgia.

[@bobmarley8334]

This is the best intro. He should use until the end of times

[@BenDeSwert666]

Oh how I missed that intro. The beat makes me smile ☺

[@Karza_357]

Hearing that in a new video, even better.

[@MrEp5]

​@@blick9538 Aciiiieeeeed

[@gutsngorrrr]

I was disappointed when the old intro wasn't used, as it brings back so many good memories of madness. So it's great to hear it again

[@iandunn4722]

You bring back memories from my shipyard/engine building days in the 70's. we had six or seven of those bad boys supplying 220v DC to the overhead cranes. One morning when the outside temperature was below -10degrees celcius there was no power to the cranes. My solution, play a gas fired space heater across the length of the array of tubes until the mercury vapour was warmed enough to strike an arc. The Director asked me why there were no cranes operating. Electricity is frozen I told him. Called me a stupid boy, but I knew better, after half an hour of gentle warming they, one by one, fired up into full operation. Happy days, thanks for bringing it all back.

[@Woffy.]

Frozen electricity, thats a good one. Well done for you understanding of Physics I hope the Mgr thanked you. Boris Karloff films often had MAR's and big neon discharge lamps, very spooky.

[@christianclark1354]

That's hilarious, good work

[@janettomlin950]

Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed it 😊

[@PlasmaChannel]

"This rectifier set can do a million watts, and this rectifier set can do a million volts" Now we're talking baby

[@karmakazi219]

I'm still waiting for news re: the neighbor's dog. ⚡🐕⚡ 😉

[@BruceNitroxpro]

My wife wouldn't even watch this video... or any part of it. EVEN though I told her I used to USE mercury vapor rectifiers. Ye gods. LOL de KQ2E

[@james.black981]

I can smell the carpet already...

[@ljetronic]

Incredible thing. Mesmerizing. What sort of equipment might that have been used in? Any concern for X-ray production?

[@stroudswebs]

Remember the last time we seen one at college in 1979 in electrical power was the last year they were demonstrated

[@JeffGeerling]

Didn't expect an unboxing video on this channel. How very modern of you!

[@FlaxTheSeedOne]

It is funny on which channels i can find you in the comments section, as a subscriber of yours. The ven diagram of overlapping channels is borderline creepy :D

[@imark7777777]

Yes every channel I watch is getting ruined with an unboxing series < sarcasm

[@seniortoastie]

Is hot tub stream next?

[@wade2361]

Only unboxing video I've ever cared about. That is some engineered packaging!

[@wasitacatisaw83]

A wild Jeff Geerling appears!

[@airriflemaniac]

No one skips your videos, sir. We do appreciate your humility though.

[@Okurka.]

I do.

[@ColinRichardson]

I skipped. Seen the good stuff.. and then went back and watched the whole thing...

[@theechoholic]

13:33 "You gotta be mad, to have one of these in your living room" Mad respect my good chap.

[@airriflemaniac]

Man has about 6 lol

[@Enjoymentboy]

This really takes me back. In 1995 I was doing a job at the old Simpson's building in downtown Toronto and one of the maintenance guys was leading me to the area where I was to drop my delivery. We passed this area that was significantly hotter than the others and there was this dreadful humming/buzzing sound. I asked what was up and he smiled, passed me a long lab coat and dark goggles and took me to a bank of cabinets. They looked like industrial lockers only much larger. He opened one up and there was a massive mercury rectifier running and he explained it was powering a good portion of the building. This thing was huge and he told me that it contained around 50lbs of mercury. I knew these things were really old tech and I was shocked to see one still in active use. then I looked to the side and saw the bank of similar cabinets and realised this one was not alone.

[@tekvax01]

There are several of them still in service in the downtown Toronto area, some in the TTC streetcar power stations, and in several old elevator control and power systems. I am friends with an elevator tech, who was showing pictures he had taken, on a service call.

[@ChronicExe]

They are in most 1940's and Cold War Bunkers all around the UK, which are also still there. Some still work. Check TheSecretVault, many of his urbex videos featuring massive nuclear bunkers will reveal everything else that they were attached to.

[@agentx7138]

We are not alone! Epic last line.

[@ACELog]

"I'd like to arrange a life insurance policy" "Certainly, sir. What are you main hobbies and occupaions?"

[@1marcelfilms]

Collecting STAMPS

[@frostedlambs]

"playing with 50 year old high voltage and amperage equipment" "oh you fix old boilers and cookers?" "a bit more voltage than that..."

[@ksp-crafter5907]

@@1marcelfilms *AMPS 😎

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Electricery Shirley.......

[@doctoruttley]

“No problem Sir, that will be $1M per year premiums for a $500K plan.” 😂

[@4Gehe2]

The engineering involved with old things like is amazing. But can we just take a moment to think about the master glass blower that had to make that assembly, and the people who installed the metal parts to it. They mass produced these.

[@JG-nx3jg]

They would have made exceptional bongs

[@ionut5350]

@@JG-nx3jg you bet your sweet bippy they did

[@tncorgi92]

Yeah, back in the day glass blowing was a career, and always in demand.

[@TWBIAP]

@@tncorgi92 it still very much is.

[@colinstu]

I couldn't stop thinking about that the entire time.

[@johngrant5749]

Thanks for this. I have memories from when i was an apprentice electrician at the BR Carriage Works in York, 60's to 70's. At one point i was assigned to the maintainance department for the works, which was also attached to the main transformer station for the works You can imagine a huge amount of power needed. The works had two traversers which would traverse the carriages from out of one shop into another. At the time these were still powered by 400Volts DC. In the transformer station was a large metal containerprobably about 6 foot x 6 foot x 8 foot high. Painted dark blue with a sign saying 'THE TARDIS'. Emanating from above was blue/ ultaviot flashing light and a strange science fiction film sound. When the door was opened it was a sight to behold. 6 of the above mercury rectifiers. No doubt we should have been wearing dark glasses and sun cream . At the time i had no idea of how they worked, so cheers for this.

[@lezbriddon]

my stepdad did a bit there before becoming a guard, i think the times may have overlapped slightly with yours, so you may even have met him, brian cox was his name.

[@snapperhead273]

im an electrician and i love that kind of stuff. must have been an amazing thing to see up and running.

[@Techno-Universal]

It’s also really funny how they possibly reused an old police box as an enclosure for a mercury arc rectifier! :)

[@autka_me]

If this isn't the best come back on youtube, I don't know what is.

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

i also like how he kept his personal life and his youtube electronic videos in separate videos ,very professional of him

[@helpabrothawithasubisaiah5316]

@@girlsdrinkfeck he should have millions of subscribers, I'm amazed he doesn't... He likely would if he didn't leave for 3 years

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

@@helpabrothawithasubisaiah5316 electronics is a vague subject for KZbin. Most big channels are aimed at woke liberals

[@helpabrothawithasubisaiah5316]

@@girlsdrinkfeck styropyro and electroboom both have millions of subscribers

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

@@helpabrothawithasubisaiah5316 and they are a comedic niche not a professional like he is

[@TheRealistOfTheReal]

I was gutted when I got outbid on this…… but then I see Andy is back and he has brought it. Now very happy!!!!!

[@SephBane]

Glad you got to see it run at least. Truly a gem.

[@Naeidea]

I'd happily be outbid by this dude.

[@maplejakee]

how much was it

[@mitchmckeiver1429]

He ain't havin it 😅

[@davelowets]

@@maplejakee If you have to ask.....

[@vgbondarev]

"this video is a bit long" That's what we want, fella.

[@Pwills]

Still not long enough if you ask me

[@alistairfletcher6187]

The glasswork on these is truly magnificent. All vacuum tubes are gorgeous in my eyes. But, mercury arc rectifiers are just down right sexy. Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us.

[@jondekerguelen]

It’s reassuring to see that I’m not the only one who gets all excited about such things.

[@Madsstuff]

This style of content is how youtube should have stayed as!

[@lukea.907]

you don't know how right you are

[@garyshearer0]

getting the feeling my youtube feed is very different from others and im glad

[@madsnoop7]

Straight up !

[@johnnycash4034]

Yeh maaaaate

[@RedHeadForester]

I do feel a little bit like I'm a teenager again while watching Andy's videos. It's nice.

[@projectmayhemUK]

its so nice... looks like someone would use it to bring a monster to life

[@sphinx2077]

Like Frankenstein

[@john_barnett]

IT'S ALIIIIVE!

[@xxckwxx]

Exactly. I live for this comment.

[@krow2248]

the rectifer is the monster

[@jessemontano762]

This is exactly what is used. Fucking amazing to look at. I

[@blackbird_actual]

That was one of the most "belongs in a mad-scientist's lab" looking devices I've ever seen. Thanks for the educational bits - really interesting to see this old tech in action and to learn how it works.

[@afrog2666]

THIS, is the most mad scientist one :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4ulmZyAppmHgpY

[@waremergencypower6024]

PhotonicInduction _is_ a mad scientist. Nothing is out of place in his room.

[@arthurn9237]

YEESSSS I CAN SEE DR. FRANKENSTEIN RUBBING HIS HANDS ALL ROUND N GRINNING LIKE MAD

[@williammartinculleton7523]

Happy Days, I'm old enough (82) to have worked on mercury arc rectifiers. Steel works where we had 500 volt DC and 250 volt systems. Can't remember the rating of the rectifiers, Big yokes in metal cabinets. This brings back som happy memories, thank you ☘️🇮🇪☘️

[@raceeagle8248]

The old intro is pure gold. Was a joy to see it again.

[@james1234168]

You can tell he's grown up boys. He's protecting the carpet with plastic

[@ButterBallTheOpossum]

It's the new wife probably lol.

[@brookerobertson2951]

Was thinking the same thing.. the wife is asking him "please don't burn the fkn carpet and try keep it clean" 🙄

[@just_noXi]

Burning a carpet is ok for later use. Spilling mercury ... isn't.

[@readman010]

Only from the mercury, burn mark in the carpet = meh, mercury all over the floor = oh fucking shit

[@mattlambermon6583]

Mercury on the floor = Biohazard cleanup crew, stripped up carpet and underlay, chemical cleaning in the worst case scenario and an expensive hotel bill while the house is sectioned off. If not mercury poisoning literally kills neurons via breaking down of the structural tubules supporting the axions.

[@RedComet1701]

"Use the skippy button" Nah bro. Im in this for the whole video.

[@markaz2kk]

Snow flakes can’t pop it! Photoinduction can!

[@edherdman9973]

That extra special touch -> "Please handle with EVERY care!" That makes me smile.

[@mr.k.9019]

The transformer noise is labeled as "music" in the generated subtitles. It is indeed.

[@spejsat4505]

yeah lovely buzz! could sample it and use as a nice bass or lead.

[@totherarf]

A flat (if anyone is interested) ;o)

[@buddyclem7328]

It's beautiful!

[@BlahBleeBlahBlah]

50 Hz sounds so great, soothing and menacing at the same time 😈

[@paulhammond7489]

Music to my ears :)

[@jimmybobhere]

When this dude returns, he doesn't mess around!

[@charger959]

He's had years to come up with ideas, I'm sure he's got plenty planned!

[@rafakordaczek3275]

I didn't even noticed how much I've missed this channel until he got back.

[@andie_pants]

Same. Every now and then I'd wonder whatever happened to the bright lightbulb guy, but I never realized it was four frickin years.

[@ketas]

it's like sex, you never notice how much you missed it after trying (again)

[@danjackson2014]

I've been checking for updates for years

[@matt_games_5544]

It's terrifying to think that touching anything live in that room could kill you

[@Ganerrr]

idk what it is but i love the more classic style of editing, feels more retro

[@james.black981]

Hell yes.

[@egementutkunforreal]

ğüşöç

[@kasel1979krettnach]

?

[@junksmasher777]

I AGREE!

[@kasel1979krettnach]

i dont understand what you're saying. youtube is youtube.

[@timarc9895]

Seeing that little spark dance around on the mercury is so nice, I could watch this all day too.

[@zestful988]

And get blind in the process 😎

[@Warutteri]

Maybe we should try to ask him to do a one hour static shot video? I bet we could find enough people to support that to get him to do it 🤔

[@yoyoyosiie]

"use the little bar to skip around to the points you're looking for" bro im here for the whole video

[@wardfiction5693]

True... No skipping here!!!

[@peterlee2622]

Ah! Takes me back to the start of my career in broadcast transmitters. The more modern transmitters then (250kW carrier power) used Excitron mercury arc rectifiers. They had 2 banks of 6 Excitrons, with the transformer windings arranged to give 12 phase rectification. Output was 11kV DC - the radio part of the transmitter took about 26 amps, and the high level Class B modulator another 15 amps depending on audio level (approx - from my memory). The rectifiers were in a cabinet with glass windows so you could see that lovely blue glow as the arcs were struck - then the light output would vary with the audio modulation. Quite spectacular when the Greenwish Time Signals 6 pips came on (they modulated the transmitters to 100%) - the extra current draw caused lights to dip in the nearby town in step with the time signal! Oh, and the older transmitters (built during the 1940s) used mercury arc rectifiers in massive steel tanks with continuous pumping to produce the required vacuum. They used grid control to vary the output as required. Incredible to think about now!

[@carmeloterrana3385]

Ho i brividi di eccitazione leggendo questo commento, vorrei essere li

[@davelowets]

And now a MUCH smaller (in comparison) diode quietly does the exact same thing...

[@ahobimo732]

I love these old mercury rectifiers! They look so utterly "mad-scientist". And this is probably the best footage of one running that I've ever seen. We're all so lucky PhotonicInduction is uploading again. He is absolutely legendary!!!

[@cashel1111]

came here to say this, but you put it better

[@ricod9451]

@Mark O So true. Love the explanation of the different types also. As Photonic says, they are mostly built inside cabinets and poorly visible on other video’s.

[@fuzzybobbles]

I remember asking for a demo of this about 5 years ago. Now my dream has come true. :-)

[@pecnorthernvalley4892]

Where would one ever see and learn about this cool shit…? You’re a fucking legend, mate! Glad you’re back!

[@PlasmaX00000]

It's obsolete technology - just not used at all any more. You'll probably only see them in museums.

[@davefish2280]

@@PlasmaX00000 Certainly not hooked up and working and with a camera pointing down the bulb

[@pecnorthernvalley4892]

@@PlasmaX00000 No shit… still interesting!

[@MarkTillotson]

Start with wiipedia? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury-arc_valve

[@graemehannaker2999]

This type of Rectifier was used in Melbourne Australia to produce 1500V DC for the Electric trains , there were 7 of these H&H glass bulb rectifiers across the network in 1970's the last was de-commissioned in 1981 . There were large fans below each bank of 4 bulbs and as the load increased on the rectifier unit the fans speed increased till it reached maximum speed . It was an extremely noisy environment that was extremely hot in the summer but nicely warm in the winter. if ever there was a dangerous device these has it all , if they ever broke mercury finished up on the floor and every where it was quite a job to transport them with special crates, it took 3 people to hold and slowly invert the bulb while the pool of mercury was also inverted. It was quite spectacular to see but by today's standards very hazardous I was glad to see the last of them . Railway substation had Rectifier units made up of a Transformer with an output of 12 single phase's connected to a bank of 4 bulbs and a large 12"fuse each phase along with associated protection relays in the Rectifier control cubical (64, 64A, 86, 86X, 30 ) . I also remember two large extraction fans for cooling built into the substation wall . The excitation and the striker was used to create the mercury vapor in the bulb it's all history now. Be careful with mercury keep it in a well vented area. Thanks for the video !

[@janettomlin950]

Wow I especially appreciate your comment on this subject!!!! Thank you for sharing sir.

[@bekkiebeans6004]

I appreciate that you showed us this piece of history. That you handled it so gently and respected it, called it art. That you keep it safe in the original box. Collector excellent...

[@terrym3543]

I agree. it's like a museum piece.

[@yurisendrew]

I have so much respect for this mans knowledge. Electricity terrifies me.

[@-HustleUnion-]

yeah i totally want to chime in and be like "that shit ain't safe" but dude hasn't fucked up once so imma keep my mouth shut lol

[@Buzzhumma]

The key is to know what you don’t know yet😂

[@mzflighter6905]

Fuck yeah! The "classic" intro is back!

[@LupinYonderboy]

This my jam

[@woody442]

Looperman dude

[@BruceCarbonLakeriver]

yeah !!!

[@colinstu]

@@woody442 is that what it's from?

[@Warutteri]

@@colinstu It's the old Looperman website for generating your own music

[@rasmusandersen2007]

21:40 The small bubbles that appear on the interior glass surface of a mercury arc rectifier after some time are typically due to a phenomenon known as mercury vaporization or mercury spitting. This can occur due to the high temperatures and pressures present inside the device during operation. When the mercury arc rectifier is in use, the mercury in the arc is heated significantly, causing some amount of mercury to vaporize and become gaseous. These mercury vapors can then condense on cooler surfaces such as the glass interior of the device, forming small bubbles. This phenomenon can be more pronounced if there are leaks in the device or if it is operated under abnormal conditions, resulting in increased mercury consumption and the formation of more bubbles. It is important to note that mercury vapors are toxic and should be avoided from being inhaled. If significant condensation of mercury vapors or an increased formation of bubbles is observed, it may indicate issues with the device's integrity or operating conditions. In such cases, it is recommended to cease the use of the mercury arc rectifier

[@mortglickman3217]

when the solar flares hit, this guy will put England back on the grid.

[@eventhorizon7374]

@Leonidas Poledouris instead of a solar flare it would be a global flare

[@JE-ti3cz]

Send a single 19kv wire to 10 Downing St too zap BOJO

[@handpaper6871]

Only if he happens to be in Dinorwig at the time. And I suspect there's a picture of him at the gate with the caption : "Not permitted entry under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER."

[@johnnyjimj]

I wouldn't be surprised at all. When high tech fails and the experts that keep it running stand by helpless guys like him will put us back on line.

[@strangus]

This man is the grid

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

This dudes bong collection is off the chain!!

[@JE-ti3cz]

Great comeback 🤣

[@guyh3403]

LOL !!!!

[@hayyremz]

It's art dude.....now drop some wax on that nail.

[@TheRealDarklight]

We have a saying for children that translates to "Everything for the eyes, nothing for the hands" regarding museums and exhibitions. I think this room is the manifestation of that sentiment.

[@sstorholm]

That’s the general idea at substations as well, one hand in the pocket if you know what you’re doing, both if you don’t and are just looking.

[@doorman8623]

your editing is a breath of fresh air, so please dont stop making videos this way.

[@UhrwerkKlockwerx]

“Use the little skipping button” Uh sir excuse me but I never skip through content I enjoy

[@Atvsrawsome]

It's such a shame none of this stuff is used any more. It's absolutely beautiful and mind blowing such dangerous elegance.

[@ruuman]

Muesuem of transport in Auckland, NZ has 2 running their trams, had a chat with a guy there, said they were completely reliable they have 2 spare ones and never fitted a replacement!

[@twizz420]

@@ruuman yeah, they're kinda like incandescent bulbs imo... Some burn out after 100 hours, some last 50 years.

[@vega660]

giving off some serious mad scientist vibes

[@msx0406]

Well what is a mad scientist supposed to do otherwise?

[@grabasandwich]

Or like a deleted scene from Back To The Future 😅

[@ketas]

50hz

[@rosco4659]

This is why we love him!

[@BillyBobThornt0n]

Please come back to YT . Of course only do so if it brings you joy. You're the reason I got into Electrical. While I'm nowhere near as versed as you are, it fulfills my "need/wants" of cranking the voltage till it pops at the factories I've been tasked to work at.

[@jackking5567]

That is a bloody gorgeous collection of mercury arc rectifiers you have there. Museums hide such things away but here they're being shown in their glory. Just beautiful.

[@thegreatcanadianlumberjack5307]

The Kempton Steam Museum has a couple 6 phase Mercury rectifiers on display that are used to power some of the building itself.

[@brianmoran8998]

Just imagine the glassblowing involved in making that. Absolutely amazing.

[@yurdp]

There’s something soothing about the sound of that warm buzzing.

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

Yes, the sound is terrifying. That is why it is so soothing. Makes one want to stand very still and not touch anything. I love it.

[@ShinyMajor]

@@ElPasoTubeAmps I think I enjoy the 50hz hum because it's not something I've heard anywhere but KZbin videos. 60hz hum gives me the willies like nothing else though.

[@hmbpnz]

Sir, you are the epitome of the mad scientist. You are clearly and obviously a skilled and gifted person, often with voltages and energy levels that alarm me even through my screen here, and you have so many interesting things to share with the world. Please, for the love of God, come back to us.

[@xtrariceplease]

nah mate, I ain't skipping. The whole video is the best bit.

[@twocvbloke]

Certainly is a piece of art, the craftsmanship that went into the glass blowing for that is amazing, they're such impressive pieces of technology from the past... :)

[@ThetruthHurtsFact9]

Words cannot express how happy we are to have you back!!

[@TheCORC964]

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this, definitely one of my favourite videos on yt!

[@mcgherkinstudios]

This is why I love this channel. It’s equal parts doing silly shit blowing stuff up, and genuinely interesting historic ‘big boy’ electronics.

[@greentree180]

I would be interested in seeing.the rectified output on a scope

[@MixZTitaniumDubstep]

I don't think Mehdi would do a collaboration unfortunately. I think most would know why.

[@truthsmiles]

@@MixZTitaniumDubstep I don’t - why?

[@bastienpabiot3678]

@@MixZTitaniumDubstep no scope that mehdi owns can mesure tht amount of power

[@dylandrouin3085]

It would basically just have a 100hz ripple because he’s using 50hz power , output voltage DC would be either 325v or 565v before load and filtering

[@dopiaza2006]

@@truthsmiles Soul-Struck probably thinks that people with different opinions can't get on. I suspect he is young and brainwashed by modern education

[@leifwinter9666]

You know its old when the "Handle with Care" sticker has Please and Thank You on it

[@raysmancave1]

The Glass blowers that made these, and many more electrical and sientific equipment are true craftsmen of the highest order. It's lovely to see old equipment in use, after so many years after they were made. Nowadays everything seems to be throw away after a couple of years,,, if your lucky. Thanks for this vid, I totally enjoyed it.

[@whollymindless]

Can you imagine a day when THIS was the heart of your 200,000 watt AM radio station?

[@johnsimpson8263]

They still have such a beast on display at the Radio New Zealand Titahi Bay Transmitter just north of Wellington. Huge long green transmitter with a mercury rectifier at it's heart. The newer replacement transmitter is about 1/8 the size...

[@DanceySteveYNWA]

On't wireless...

[@frankely6378]

Back in the '30s WLW Cincinnati used to run 500KW! They got requests from Buckingham Palace. Lots of interesting history on the place available on the web. 3000 Amps of DC for the filament transformers. Up to 90 amps of RF at the antenna. No modulation limiters, so when someone hit a big note, streetlights in the vicinity dimmed because the transmitter would just suck down the juice.

[@unlokia]

Easily. This isn’t an alien spaceship from a trillion years ago.

[@AndyHullMcPenguin]

I'm not sure why a large fragile evacuated glass vessel full of toxic mercury, being exited by hazardous voltages brings as big a smile to my fizzog as it does to yours, but it literally brightened up my day. Thanks and all the best to you and yours.

[@keithking1985]

I WANNA SEE MORE ABOUT THOSE THINGS,, THEY ARE BLOODY BRILLIANT..

[@jinglemyberries866]

The signature intro/outro music, i will never get tired of hearing that.

[@kraftzero2947]

Dude... words cannot describe. How absolutely overjoyed i am that you are back. Its so good to have our cool internet uncle who blows stuff up with electricity.

[@Bbfishman]

i rarely ever understand exactly what you're talking about when you explain this stuff, but i'll still listen to you anytime while you describe why its so badass

[@jajajajajaja867]

Imagine your neighbours were into ham radios 🤣 they’d have a shit time

[@Irongrip62]

Wonder if you can hear our boy photon on one of those web SDR sites.

[@jdecar1]

🤣 As a ham radio guy, I was thinking the same thing. (Imagining Calum having a bit of trouble with QRM for about a half hour.)

[@pepperjackshack2439]

And what was it used for again?

[@commodork]

@@pepperjackshack2439 A MAR like that would be used for street cars.

[@filanfyretracker]

@@jdecar1 I can imagine the FCC would have a cow if someone was doing this stuff in the USA. Though maybe not, I honestly do not know what their take on people playing with electricity is. As its not a part 15 device malfunctioning and its not deliberate jamming.

[@johnwilson4909]

I am seriously impressed. A few questions. 1) Would you please publish the listed specs for this device? 2) What is the best feature of a mercury arc rectifier? (cleaner output, lower temperature, high capacity, easily handles current surges) 3) It would be nice if you published your results, AC input, AC current, DC output, DC current, Output waveform, etc. Hope to see another video like this.

[@davelowets]

High capacity, and overload is about it, when compared to current day silicon diodes.

[@wippip]

As much as I enjoy the pops and bangs it doesn’t top having you play with old tech like this. Very glad to have you back!

[@FrontSideBus]

The Isle of Man Electric railway used these until only a few years ago. I remember seeing them when I was last there! You could see when the motor on the train was pulling some amps as it would light up really bright! Bit of trivia, if you have ever seen a fluorescent lamp which is dark at one end, it has a damaged electrode on one side and it is rectifying just like this and the DC is causing all the mercury to migrate to one end of the lamp hence why it's gone dark!

[@DocNo27]

Heh - I just posted video of that one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5uwi2inqd52i8U They are something to see in person!

[@deltab9768]

I’ve also seen one that flashed very rapidly, regularly and intensely. I think it was on an old 60hz magnetic ballast. I imagine rectification was making it light every other half cycle, creating 60 short duration flashes per second.

[@crazy-es8tr]

@@deltab9768 If you are talking about the tube on start up it will be cause of a preheat ballast

[@deltab9768]

@@crazy-es8tr It was very regular, you could see a "smeared" strobe image on moving objects with a bit under 50% duty cycle. It was very fast (at least several tens of flashes per second.) It didn't stop after the tube warmed up, and it was slightly dimmer than a good tube. I still believe it was rectifying, but not 100% sure.

[@ElectronPower]

"Better than TV, innit?" -No doubt about it! 😉

[@750kv8]

@@marcse7en - The little spark on the pool never moves the same way... 😁

[@ScarlettStunningSpace]

This is why history is so interesting. This was the norm at one point and that's fascinating to me.

[@dimitar4y]

I swear, photonic's collection. EVERY. And I mean. EVERY little one thing in that room is a functional trophy. I haven't seen more than half of the stuff he's shown.

[@adam207321]

Including the light bulb kettle :D

[@TheVirtualboy94]

so true swen those on the shelf for ages so glad to see them. functioning

[@dimitar4y]

@@adam207321 which one was that, I've forgotten

[@adam207321]

@@dimitar4y kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn2Uh4qoa65kbNE This one

[@dimitar4y]

@@adam207321 aye cheers gov

[@FishFind3000]

This would be the perfect decoration at a Halloween party for a mad scientist.

[@volvo09]

Speaking of halloween... If i saw that as a kid i'd be intrigued if i knew it was a piece of vacuum tube electric gear beforehand, i liked the purple glow in big rectifiers, but it would still freak me out. If i saw it in the corner of a basement without knowing i would be mortified, bad dreams for years!

[@kimmason9935]

We now know why you are as mad as a hatter mercury poising 🤣🤣on a serious note if you don't inspire the next generation of sparkies no one will keep up the good work I've missed you buddy 👊

[@jjhack3r]

Enough mercury in one to poision the whole neighborhood...

[@vinniebullterrier6456]

I stumbled across his new video and haven’t stopped watching all the old ones. Right up my street this channel

[@hamaljay]

If it really was right up your street your power would flicker all the time for sure.

[@parttimedogfish]

Having worked in a 50 year old power station and been through various store rooms, I know exactly what that thing would smell like when you unboxed it

[@m0ther_bra1ned12]

This is really cool. I love seeing antique electrical components like this. Especially when they still work.

[@JamieSandersonx]

I have almost no idea what half the equipment is that you're using - only that it's big and you usually blow it up, generally always in your living room. I do appreciate the explanations though, they help a great deal! I love this channel!

[@siggyretburns7523]

Rectifiers convert AC to DC by arranging diodes (one way valves) in a way so that when the current flows in one direction, diodes keep the other half from going back the other way. When the current switches (alternates)to go the other way, the diodes that was letting current go through now stops it from going back, and the diodes that were not letting current go back are now letting current through. This keeps a constant flow of current in one direction, never letting current go back the other direction. (DC) There was a time when Edison and Westinghouse (foes) were battling on wether to send DC or AC from powerhouses to homes. Nikolai Tesla who at the time worked for Westinghouse displayed the benifits of AC, and the disadvantages of DC being delivered to homes. These devices are the crude instruments of electricity being delivered to homes via DC (Im assuming). It wasnt long after that that DC was proved to be horrible as current delivered. AC was truely a genius idea by Tesla. Westinghouse started designing household appliances for AC use and together, they clobbered Edison. Dont be fooled about Thomas Edison. He was a theif and a jerk. Tesla worked for him before he worked for John Westinghouse. Edison stole several ideas of Teslas and gave him no credit for them. Edison couldnt comprehend AC current and told Tesla it was a bad idea. Westinghouse understood it and held an exibition at the worlds fair. All the lighting at the fair was electric, not kerosene.

[@siggyretburns7523]

If you really want to see how we got to where we are today, check out the Westinghouse story. John Westinghouse was an amazing man. Invented all kinds of stuff.

[@siggyretburns7523]

George Westinghouse...my bad

[@lanceholland9851]

Yea this is one thing I don't think even Photonicinduction wants to blow up. Will be very bad for your health and will probably have your house condemned due to all that mercury in there. And it creates one of the worst forms of mercury and that is distilled mercury. Probably the only one that tops that will be Organic Mercury.

[@siggyretburns7523]

@@lanceholland9851 But they got wise and started insulating them with asbestos. 😂

[@davidridgway2518]

I’m really interested in Mercury Arc Rectifiers and been an electrician for 20 years never had the privilege to see one running, only on films, another great a instalment from the legendary PhotonicInduction ✅✅✅

[@amisakie]

At my work we actually have one in service running an old DC crane. Blew my mind when I saw it for the first time when I was an apprentice.

[@davidridgway2518]

@@amisakie they are a work of art 👌

[@50srefugee]

That bluish-purple glow is absolutely eldritch. Thanks for preserving and resurrecting a lovely bit of history.

[@davel5845]

The Mercury arc rectifier is a thing of beauty especially when it’s working 👍

[@GHOOGLEMALE]

All that smashing up of gear and he's a softie after all - The respect and love for that bit of kit is great to see. I watched it all but haven't a clue what it is, someone designed it and made it - incredible.

[@Dutch3DMaster]

Honestly I still wonder how someone came up with this actual solution for rectifying AC :P. Like, a scientist one day after studying mercury and the attributes of the vapors went like "You know...we might be able to change the characteristics of AC current by doing this and that with mercury!"

[@GHOOGLEMALE]

@@Dutch3DMaster The truest irony I must say

[@ATomRileyA]

@@Dutch3DMaster I would guess it came from experimenting and finding out that it could rectify and then putting it to use.

[@Dutch3DMaster]

@@ATomRileyA As with many inventions it probably was more of a happy coincidence that it did what it did, it's just that the mere setup in total is not something you accidentally come up with, it probably was used for something else at first, I would think.

[@beeble2003]

@@Dutch3DMaster I doubt it was a coincidence. The principle is pretty straightforward: the ionized mercury atoms have a positive charge, so they'll only flow in one direction, carrying the current with them. Pretty much any metal would work, in principle, but you need one that's liquid, so mercury's the only option for room-temperature operation. Everything beyond that is just engineering it to actually work.

[@liminalmessaging]

Okay this is the coolest thing I've seen in YEARS.

[@thelamb288]

They really are a work of art that should be shown in museums but you can't get the workmanship these days to make em :D Cheers.

[@Reth_Hard]

This looks strait out of a mad scientist movie, I love it.

[@paulbaker916]

The stand seems more than stable, especially when you think trains used to use Mercury arc rectifiers a few decades back! Another great and unique video.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

Looks fine but he made the stand. It's not what it would have been sitting in in the electrical building for the railway.

[@philiplimerick2794]

I remember driving past sub stations driving trains. As you accelerated you could see the blue glow from the windows get brighter.

[@jimbomacroth3400]

I'm a clueless layman and still I felt weirdly privileged to witness that.

[@nicknorthcutt7680]

Dude, your channel is a literal hidden gold mine!! How have I not seen your channel sooner!!?? Thank you!!

[@randomthingch1970]

I love how you still keep the "old vibe" editing just like old time

[@TheHatevessel]

The one and only time I was glad not to hear "Where's my 'ammer?" - those things are beautiful. Thanks for the demo. So glad you're back

[@Scanlaid]

"Ya gotta be mad to have one of these in your living room" But... but photon you have like *three*

[@TheAechBomb]

three? this man has at least 12

[@user-yw8sr3uj1w]

@@TheAechBomb goddamn Ive missed him so much

[@Glaas2]

Then it means he is not mad... I mean.. He doesn't have one...

[@L7pusher]

'Ya got to be mad to have one of these in your living room.' This guy. One of the top ten best KZbinrs ever. Want more.

[@glenngriffon8032]

Other channels: wrap up the technical information in a way anyone can get. also try to fill up their video with entertaining footage or funny skits while they do that so people won't skip ahead. Photon, wraps up the technical information in a way anyone can get but says "go ahead and skip ahead to the best bits if you want" Man knows his audience and his platform you can't argue that.

[@headshotdyn0mite149]

WoW That was literally a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you so much for letting us see such cool old-school things. I'll never forget how awesome that was. Thanks again.

[@beeble2003]

You can literally watch the video as many times as you want. 😊

[@drchunkybiscuit9973]

Items needed: 1: Old Castle. 2: Assistant with hump. 3: Freshly buried corpses. 😂

[@MiguelRodrigues0]

And a mad scientist lab.. Oh he already has. Let me scratch that....

[@juststeve5542]

5. Thunderstorm

[@joaoc_PT]

@@juststeve5542 are included

[@TexasRailfan2008]

6. Kites

[@Wayoutthere]

> "HIT THE SWITCH IGOR!" < "Hnnnn Yes masta!

[@oris9946]

That is the coolest thing I've ever seen, not even joking. I had no idea these even existed until now. Thank you for this! You are a legend.

[@TheJohn8765]

I do wish he'd shown us the output on an oscilloscope.

[@kunjupulla]

Ikr. This channel is heavily underrated. He may not have enough funds to buy an oscilloscope? Like, the good ones are filthy expensive!

[@QPUNeptune]

@@kunjupulla i sure hope that he buys one, even if its used

[@vink6163]

Have a look in the background on his other videos, he's got scopes, and they are cheap compared to the cost of some of the stuff he features. He probably just figured nobody would be interested in it.

[@woldemunster9244]

@@vink6163 Im hot and bothered already, scope might be too much for me. Analogue scope footage would be illegal in most countries. :D

[@xenonram]

@@kunjupulla of course he has an oscope. There's no way he doesn't.

[@MrDrmorbid]

The ASMR jackers were probably hoping you would clean the rectifier in real time while talking about it with your soothing voice.

[@themightiestofbooshes9443]

This LEGENDARY Englishman is Rectifying ALL THREE of his 50 year-old Phases.

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

Amazing you got a new-old-stock mercury arc rectifier! That is really a work of art as much as an electronic device. Thanks so much for sharing with us. So pleasing! Nice that you'e replacing the missing Aquadag on the anodes, as well.