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Hi Tim,
I have seen VDGs as floor exhibits at the Discovery Center in Rockford, IL
and at G-Wiz in Sarasota, Florida. The one at G-Wiz is hand cranked, while the
one in Rockford has a pressure switch in the insulated stand. When you get
on the stand, the VDG starts.
You can limit the amount of zap by attaching a grounded wire to the column of
the VDG, with the bare end of the wire pointed towards the sphere. The
closer you put the end of the wire, the smaller the potential zap. Be sure that
you post warnings about digital devices, to avoid having to deal with visitors
that have dead video cameras and cell phones. Also be aware that some
cochlear implants are very sensitive to high static charges.
To deal with humidity, keep the inside of the VDG very dry with packes of
silica gel, and then seal it so moisture and dust do not get inside. Remember
that you will have to unseal it to change belts. Clean the outside of the VDG
regularly, using vinegar and water. You don't want to use anything that
will leave a residue. I once got a call from a museum where someone had cleaned
their VDG with anti-static monitor cleaner. Not a good thing. Also, don't
clean it with anything flammable, as the sparks could potentially ignite the
fumes.
Feel free to give a yell if you have other questions. Hope this helps.
Have a wonder-filled week!
Robert Krampf
Robert Krampf's Science Education
www.krampf.com
In a message dated 3/11/08 10:51:29 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
>
> We have one of the 400,000 volt Van De Graaf generators from Science First.
> It is great for demonstrations but we would like for more visitors to have
> an opportunity to use it. We would like to find a way to set it as a visitor
> guided (with signs) exhibit on the floor. Has anyone designed a setup
> utilizing an existing generator? The staff has tried different scenarios,
> setups and insulation techniques. We have yet to find a setup that will
> nearly ensure the visitor does not get a strong jolt. At one time we did
> consider a hand crank for the generator; however we are in the deep humid
> south and fear that this sort of setup may not be very consistent.
>
>
>
> Tim Pula
>
> Science Coordinator
>
> Gulf Coast Exploreum
>
> www.Exploreum.com
>
> 65 Government St.
>
> Mobile, AL 36602
>
> 251-208-6858
>
>
>
> Join us each month for a new experience in the Ciba Lab.
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