This “lifter” is a lightweight construction that rises into the air under the action of ionic wind.
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This one runs on 80 kV and is my highest power lifter, being able to lift more than its weight.
I have limited the height of the flight to only a few cm as the lead in wires were short and were carrying a very high voltage.
Above: The 80 kV lifter being over-driven resulting in sparks between upper wires and skirt. Note the multiple points of corona from various wires. Power is supplied from my 80 kV voltage multiplier driven by a flyback and ZVS driver. It sparks at about 4 1/2 inches between the wires and skirt when turned up full.
It has a LOT more lifting power than a conventional 30 kV lifter and is shown here lifting 4.60 g while the lifter weighs 4.13 g. In other words it is lifting more than it’s own weight.
I did try dual corona wires but there was no additional benefit with this setup. Either the extra weight penalty or load on the power supply might have caused this result. I later removed it.
These are time exposure shots showing corona off the lifter 80kV. Note the lead in wires. I have kept the lifter on the base to avoid movement. At least the threads that support the wires prevent arcing down the balsa supports. Exposure is 58 seconds.
Corona occurs at minor kinks and irregularities in the wire.
Related pages
Lifter constructionTry something else
Smoke ringsExternal links
Lifter (Ionocraft) – Wikipedia
Photo Date: Nov, 2005