I tried to build a zapper using Mike's instructions below. Then I wanted something nice to house it--without having to build something. So I went to a thrift store, started wandering around, and found THE answer! Go to the electronics section, find a powersupply meant for a computer or some such device, ($3-$6 vs. $14.95 at hardware store for dorbell transformer), check the rating on back to find the voltage you want. On the working end, cut off the adaptor that goes into the computer, etc. Pull the two wires apart to a suitable working length, attach tweezer arms. Fast, easy-to-make, easy-to-carry, cheap and looks good too! Diane Hofstetter If you want to build a zapper all of the necessary parts can be acquired from a hardware store or home center. A doorbell transformer 8 to 12 volt is sufficient, some AC cord and an AC plug for the AC side of the transformer. Some DC wire about 10 gauge is sufficient and some connectors both the crimp kind for splicing 2 ends together and the round ended kind to bolt through. A small piece of masonite, hardboard or even pegboard about 1/2" X 3/4" and a large tweezers and lastly a small diameter non-metallic bolt and nut. You begin by disconnecting the two arms of the tweezers, you can also make the tweezer arms from old hack saw blades cut in half, grinding one end to a point and bending it over. Clamp the tweezer arms with the masonite or whatever you choose to use, between them and drill a hole large enough for the small bolt to fit through. Attach the AC cords to the approriate ends of the transformer and the plug to the end of the cord. (I used an old lamp cord with a pre-molded plug) Attach the 10 Ga wires to the DC side of the transformer, attach the round ended connectors to the open ends of the wire and attach those ends on either side of the tweezers with the bolt and nut and washers if necessary. You might want to mount it on a small board for portability and ease of storage. Plug it in and lightly touch the ends to one another if you see a spark you have succeeded, if not check your connections. Remember it is important that the two "sides" of the "circuit" or tweezers are insulated from one another until they contact the center pin When using this device do not hold it on the pin ends longer than a few seconds, they heat up VERY quickly! Don't ask me how I know! (grin) Good luck, Mike -- Diane Hofstetter -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20100302/d4bb6df1/attachment.htm>
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