Spark Gap Radio workshop

This Making/Tinkering workshop is ideal for participants who like to experiment with building circuits. There is a certain challenge in getting the transmitter to work; the paper clips must be carefully placed, which requires fine motor skills.

As well as the activity, we will find out more about the fascinating history of the ‘Spark Era’, when radio was first discovered as a tool for communication. We can also use our transmitters to discover more about electro magnetic waves, of this is appropriate for the group’s age and current knowledge.

Suitable for: Year 6 (age 10) to adult
Maximum: 12 participants

[noisytoysdotorg]

Apologies for lack of replies, we don't use youtube or social media much. This was a quick promo vid for the workshop but I will make a how-to with circuit diagram and step-by-step ASAP. @redplater thanks for the explanation. It is a simple feedback circuit so is switching itself on/off v fast. Think of it as a circuit with 2 switches: 1 is used manually to tap the Morse code (just the yellow croc lead connecting to the wire here) Switch 1 is 'off' by default. Switch 2 is by default 'on' to start with. This is the fiddly one and is between the paper clips, here pinned down onto a cork board to create just the right amount of tension. As soon as the current flows (when switch 1 is on), the resultant magnetic field produced around the coil pulls one paper clip away from the other, which switches the circuit off; the current does not flow and so there is no magnetic field around the coil, so the paperclip snaps back to connect, which switches the circuit on, which switches itself off etc etc. That's why it is so important (nd difficult) to get the 2 paperclips at just the right tension; this is only a small coil and a 9v battery so the magnetic pull is very weak, but must be enough to disconnect the paper clips. Cork board and pins essential, and expect a lot of faff before it works. I hope that's clear and not too confusing, I will make a step-by-step ASAP

[JohnJacobson-sx]

Where does the high voltage come from? does it come from the coil of wire? or does the 9v create the spark by itself?

[Athena_Craft]

Why i cant make my own? any ideas? Its just doesnt work.

[bethlehemchristianchurch]

15 seconds 😮imagine, no explanation, no worskhop😢😢😢😢, please do a proper video for us😅😅😅😅😢❤❤❤

[MirlitronOne]

Ah yes, another demonstration of an illegal spark transmitter.