Voltage vs amperage for Lichtenberg Figures

Having a play with different voltages and currents when making Lichtenberg Figures.

[@diecksl]

Interesting comparison. I tried with MOTs, NSTs, PTs and HF flybacks. I got the best results with MOTs, so at "low" voltage and high current (which surprised me as I expected high voltage and low current is better)

[@gristc]

Hmm, that is a combo I didn't try. I have some MOTs lying around. Will have a play with those on the weekend.

[@xONEWINGx]

You are comparing two other factors, some are DC and others AC, and some high frequency and some low frequency.

[@MasterIvo]

Fun test, but was the water really needed? seems to mess it up. Did you put the transformers in parallel? Then how did you know the phases all were the same?

[@gristc]

Yeah, I'm wondering about the water too. All the other demos I've seen have used it. I might have a play without it and see how well that works. The transformers were in parallel and have to be in phase as you say. I tested them by connecting them up two by two and seeing which output produced the smaller arcs. Can put up a vid showing how I did it if you think that might be useful.

[@MasterIvo]

@@gristc Great! no need for that video, I believe you got it right. suggestion: Maybe soak the wood in water for a day, then make it dry with a towel.

[@gristc]

Tried without water and it wouldn't even start properly. I'm thinking that even though the water seems to evaporate fairly quickly, it leaves behind enough residue to get the conduction started.

[@MasterIvo]

@@gristc and a 24h soaked in water plank?

[@BackYardScience2000]

yes, the water is indeed needed. wood isn't conductive enough to hold the current, so you have to add water, preferably with ions in it (sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, etc) to help the current flow. As said, it won't even start properly without it. But once you have the carbonized wood (burn marks) that one can carry the current as carbon (the black stuff) can be conductive by itself. Hence why once it starts, if it stops all you have to do is connect the ends of the burns with water to get it going again. Just figured I'd throw my 2 cents in there. lol

[@mymikeechoes1267]

Is that plasma?;?!?

[@DrakkarCalethiel]

The 15kV 25mA one looks the best. Lots of branching and fine details. Man, I can smell it even through video. :D