Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair?
by np_tedious on Saturday January 29, 2022 @09:54PM
(#30133407)
Even the capacitor inside a disposable camera (for the flash) is no joke. Used to mess around shocking ourselves with that when we were kids
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Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair?
by maxbond on Saturday January 29, 2022 @11:57PM
(#30134172)
When I was a child I was trying to take one apart by prying with a screwdriver. I accidentally shorted the switch that started the flash with my screwdriver. I heard the capacitor charge, but stupidly didn't back away slowly and kept prying. I got zapped through the screwdriver, and I involuntarily threw the camera all the way across the room.
I also nearly killed myself with a giant DIY laden jar I thought was discharged. It was not. I discharged it across my arms (eg, across my heart). Luckily there was very little stored power, it hurt enough to give me pause but I wasn't injured. This thing was pretty big though, it definitely could've held enough power to hurt me badly.
Lessons learned!
Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair?
by honkdaddy on Sunday January 30, 2022 @09:43AM
(#30137587)
We did this too! Homemade "tasers" from a disassembled disposable camera. Enough to zap an older brother and run for your life, but not enough to hurt anyone. Good times.
Re:Should I build a Tesla coil for a science fair?
by bobsmooth on Saturday January 29, 2022 @11:06PM
(#30133907)
I once shorted out one of those through my thumb and I swear I felt the ghostly presence of my dead brother even though my brother is alive and was at work at the time.
Getting a few dozen volts straight through a nerve will make you feel weird things.