Powering the applicator

Jeff,

The idea of a battery powered unit is a good one if the current usage isn't too great.  I'm sure that the "Ohm Heads" could figure that out using Ohm's Law.  I've got a homemade applicator (the Grass-o-matic Turbo 5000) that is 12 volts and the power wire dragging around is a pain.

The Grass-o-matic Turbo 5000 with around 12,000 volts will make your hair stand up!  When I told my operating group that I was going to trade the unit to a fellow for the track plan that he made for me they had a fit!  I had to keep the unit and pay the track planner cash.

Rick

IONA2 & IONB2

I have just spoken to Branko at Qatley electronics & he informed me the following.

IONA2 9 volt is the discontinued version.

They were incorrectly supplied IONA2 model & have since been replaced.

IONB2 12 volt is available & was out of stock.

I have 2 IONA2 models that will be returned to Oatley & replaced with the IONB2 models.

Cheers

Alex

Corrections

Hi Guys,

Sorry, there are a couple of errors in this piece.  MRH knows about it and I think will likely be issuing some corrections in the next issue.  I thought I should also note them here for your information.

Regarding the difference in the Oatley modules.  This piece was originally submitted back in December with the idea it would be published sometime in the New Year, I think March was tossed around at one time.

Well, with one thing and another it didn't end up happening at that time.  Now it's August and there is an issue with one of the items slated for the September issue and the staff needed something on short notice, so they ran this piece without going through the usual author proof steps.  Unfortunately, unbeknownst to MRH staff, during the lag time between writing and publishing, Oatley Electronics changed the module, again!

So, as it stands now, Oatley supplies a 12 volt DC module that can be powered with as little as 4.5 volts.

From the Oatley Site:

One other error I noted.  The update mentions the 120 volt module I used in the article, coming from Oatley as well.  That was not the case.  I sourced that module from The Electronic Goldmine.  That being said, there is no reason to build the 120 volt applicator.  The 12 volt module offered now is more powerful and far safer to work with than the one powered with 120 volt AC.  So be safe, build the DC version!

So the model for sale from

So the model for sale from MRH videos will be this latest 12V version? Also Kevin you state a supply of 4.5V and Oatley says 9 V for this module. Does it matter?  The wiring diagram is so simple I have to build one now.

Steve

Its the IONB2 12 volt version

The one we're selling the the very latest Oatley one, the IONB2 12 volt version.

Voltage & Availability

Actually what I stated was a direct quote from the Oatley Electronics Site.

Power the module with between 4.5 volts and 12 volts DC.  The output voltage varies with the input voltage.  6KV is enough in my opinion but 12KV will make a better applicator allowing you to work a bit further from the surface being flocked and to work further from the scenic spike.

As Joe mentions above, the 12 volt module is available in the US from Model-Trains-Video.com

I believe the $25 price includes shipping anywhere.  Right Joe?

Yep

Negative ION Generators - Available Again

Guys, if you have been trying to find a source for negative ION generators for your DIY static grass applicators, this may help.

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G20855

This is a new arrival at Electronic Goldmine.  It is a 12V module.  Please use as directed and observe all safety precautions when working with HIGH VOLTAGE modules such as this one.

Regards,

A reasonably priced RTR model..................?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Static-Grass-Flock-Applicator-for-O-HO-N-Scale-Train-Wargames-Modelling-Scenery-/380968762349?hash=item58b381fbed

Anyone have any experience with this?  I see their grass was tested a few years ago.

Peter

Over seas suppliers

I checked on e-bay and found plenty of negative ion generators. I ordered one for $5.50 Canadian, that included shipping!!!   I figured if it never showed up or did not work I would only be out a few bucks. The unit arrived in my mail box in less than 2 weeks and just tonight I finished building the unit as per Kevin's and Joe's methods and it works fantastic. I am using a 6.5 V power source and it is plenty strong. I can't vouch for the longevity of the unit yet but I am quite pleased with the results so far!!

In the picture, the 2 white wires are attached to the metal screen in the cup. 

DC 12V High Output Ionizer Airborne Cleaner Negative Ion Anion Generator Stable

Steve