Uploaded August 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This is a Wimshurst generator bought on eBay that failed after a few weeks of use. The fault was tracked down to failing dielectric in the capacitors. With it working again thought it would be interesting to look at one of the main original uses.
This experiment produces x-rays care has been taken to keep the energy levels and generation low for the demonstration. Crookes X-ray tubes are no longer used, their beam control and energy regulation were poor. The experiment should not be copied as the voltages can be higher than 60kV. There is also an implosion risk with a large vacuum tube and x-ray emission must be minimised and monitored.
This is a Wimshurst generator bought on eBay that failed after a few weeks of use. The fault was tracked down to failing dielectric in the capacitors. With it working again thought it would be interesting to look at one of the main original uses.
This experiment produces x-rays care has been taken to keep the energy levels and generation low for the demonstration. Crookes X-ray tubes are no longer used, their beam control and energy regulation were poor. The experiment should not be copied as the voltages can be higher than 60kV. There is also an implosion risk with a large vacuum tube and x-ray emission must be minimised and monitored.
