middleofsweden

Hi everyone. I have been lurking around here for a while but now I figured it was time to sign up. My first post is about the negative Ion generator needed for the static grass applicator..

I live in china for the moment (I am here for work) and I will probably be here for a while. I wonder if someone can confirm that this unit would be safe to use (The DC version):

http://detail.china.alibaba.com/buyer/offerdetail/201184606.html
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I can accept painful jolts, taser experiences and occasionally screams. But I would not like my wife to find me dead with smoking hair, and ofcource... a new beard of static grass applied to my face..

What do you guys with some experiences from these devices think, would it be safe (again, the DC version) ?

Reply 0
Rio Grande Dan

Sorry I don't read Chinese

Sorry I don't read Chinese and the site isn't in English other than the pictures and there is nothing that tells me what is what.

Rio Grande Dan

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middleofsweden

Negative Ion Generator

It is a Negative Ion Generator. After lots and lots of Google translating I have figured out that it works and functions exactly as the ones used by other that have built their grass applicators. The difference is that this one seemes to be more powerful with regards to high voltage output. There is not much more useful info written in chinese either.

I tried to link to the picture with the specs only but the script on that page didn't allowed me to. Sorry for that...
I don't have the necessary high voltage knowledge to figure out if it is safe or not by reading the specifications..

I thought.. if someone with more high voltage knowledge than me looked at the specs, maybe they would recognize the data and could tell immediatley like "stay away, same as used for electric chairs" or "perfectly safe, no problemo!"

(EDIT) Sorry, I misread your answer a little, first I read "what it is" not "what is what". I think for the wiring it is pretty straightforward. It is just that the specifications confuses me. (/EDIT)

Reply 0
Kevin Rowbotham

CL-J28 ION Generator

mid-sweden,

This module appears to be either, AC or DC in design.  I would advise using DC.

It allows an input voltage of between 3 and 36 volts DC.  I would advise keeping it below 12VDC.

The module outputs 5KV at the low end, which would be enough for a static grass applicator.  Running this module at 6-9 volts DC would probably yield plenty of static charge for the applicator.

If you or your loved ones have pace makers or other medical devices that could be damaged by HV, perhaps this is not for you?

This is not a toy, it is a power tool, like a drill or saw.  It is not for children, certainly not unsupervised.  This will give you a painful shock but can be used without ever getting hurt if you pay attention, like with any power tool.

I'm not sure if the input current of 400mA is a specified maximum, or minimum.  The ION module's I am most familiar with require around 100-200mA for operation.

Are you aware that a DC Module is available from MRH's parent company, Model-Trains-Video.com?  It sells for around US$25 and I believe ships anywhere in the world for that price.

Hope this is at least helpful.

 

~Kevin

Appreciating Modeling In All Scales but majoring in HO!

Not everybody likes me, luckily not everybody matters.

Reply 0
middleofsweden

RE: CL-J28 ION Generator

Thank you for the input and reply, and thank you for the link to the supplier, the thing is that I have to order it from within China, otherwise I would have gone for that one (or from an other credited supplier). I have tried to have other "hard to find" items imported here before but around half of the parcels never arrives. Only the ones with the address written in Chinese. And frankly, this is nothing I would like to challenge any more honest suppliers with.

The rest of your answer helped alot! We dont have pacemakers and no children. And my wife never fiddles with my stuff as she never trusts anything i create   I think I will wait a day or two, then go for one of these. I will reply back here when the applicator is built and report how it preforms.

Thanks again for the input.

 

Reply 0
FOUM60

It says <400ma    So that

It says < 400ma    So that means less than 400ma is recommended.   Err on the low side. 

The NOCH Gras-Master runs on a 9V alcaline battery and is good for around  60 hours. A 9V battery is good for 600mAh  hence the 60 hour duration comes out to 10mA running.  My Electrograsser runs off it's 12V rechargeable battery pack for weeks of intermit use.  

Here is the NOCH Gras-Master Safety Instructions and specs. Taken from the NOCH site

The Gras-Master® is designed modern safety systems, however, follow these precautions.
Keep this item away from children. Never physically touch or place a foreign object
inside the white container when the device is ON or in operation. The formation of
sparks is possible during operation. Keep away the Gras-Master from flammable liquids,
gas or any combustible materials during operations and storage.

Make sure the item is stored in a dry area and protect it from humidity, moisture and
wetness. Never use or turn on the device, if you notice moisture or wetness in or on
the Gras-Master.

Remove the battery if you place the Gras-Master in storage. Do not throw your used
batteries with your household waste. Dispose them according to your local environmental
rules. Check your local government waste regulations, if you are not aware of the
environmental rules in your area. Electrical and electronic devices do not belong in
the trash!

Cleaning Tips:

Make sure the Gras-Master® is turned off and battery is removed. Never change or stress
the black conductive material in the white grass holder, in the Nozzle or in the two
sieves 1 and 2. Do not use solvents, liquid cleaners or water to clean your Gras-Master
or its parts! Simply use a dry towel.


Technical Data:

Input: 9V
Max. Operational Ampere: 10mA
Output: 15 kV DC
Maximum Current: 1,5mA
Power Supply: 9V Alkaline Battery
Battery Life Expectancy: max. 60 hours
In use operation indicated by illuminated red LED
On/Off Switch
 

Source :   http://www.noch.de/pictures/PDFs/Bastelanleitungen/Anleitung_Grasmaster_60131.pdf

Run it off a 9V battery and you should be good to go.  Less wires dangling around.

Reply 0
Kevin Rowbotham

Ahh, yes!

Quote:

It says < 400ma    So that means less than 400ma is recommended.   Err on the low side.

I thought this might be the case.  I agree, err on the low side.

The Noch safety instructions make good sense as well.

 

~Kevin

Appreciating Modeling In All Scales but majoring in HO!

Not everybody likes me, luckily not everybody matters.

Reply 0
middleofsweden

Thanks for all the inputs.

As the unit I was looking at totally lacked current ratings of the high voltage side I was sceptical. I found one seller in my city and went there to check it out. The seller really assured that it was safe, to proove it he hooked it up and touched one of the high voltage wires. When he took off 1/2 a meter in the air with a big yell and a totally terrified expression on his face (I could actually hear the nasty spark hitting his finger), I just politely thanked him for the demonstation and left. So from that moment anything without current specs on the HV side was out of the question.

Since then I found another device which states the current at 20uA on the high voltage side. The Noch is rated at 1,5 mA so this must be safe I thought so I ordered a couple of those. I got jolted by my device today but it was no worse that taking of a syntethic shirt.

Here is the thread of my static grass applicator:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/5284

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