High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator

by Plasmana





Some of you are asking me to post an instructable about how to make an high voltage power supply
to power the Marx Generator on this instructable.
Well, here is the instructable you have been waiting for!

The device we are going to use to make a power supply for the Marx Generator is called Cockroft-
Walton Voltage Multiplier, now that is a lot of words, so what most other people call it is what we
are going to call it, the Voltage Multiplier.

This one is a different design from the one I used for my Marx Generator, I was going to post the
other design, however, it was quite difficult to build, so I came up with this new design.

The new design has more advantaged over the old design, I will explain them:
Easy to build
More efficient
However, the new design has one disadvantage, it requires mains electricity, but that is not very
much a problem, we can just add fuse (and safety resistors if you want). At least it is easier to build!

Disclaimer: This project is very dangerous to operate, it generates high voltages (6000 volts). Please
do not attempt to build this voltage multiplier unless you are familiar with high voltage. I am NOT
responsible what ever happens to you and others with this voltage multiplier.

Step 1: Get the things!!


Depending where you live, get the things that will be suitable to your mains power..
If your country uses 110v or 120v, get the things as listed:
34 1N4007 diodes
34 100nF film 200v (or greater) capacitors
100mA fuse
If your country uses 220v or 240v, get the things as listed:
18 1N4007 diodes
18 100nF film 400v (or greater) capacitors
100mA fuse

The X2 capacitors will also work well, that is what I used for this voltage multiplier.

(UPDATE)
I got the diodes and the fuse from Farnell. I got the capacitors from Maplin, however, the capacitors
are no longer stocked at Maplin, But you can still get it from Farnell. Here is a list of things you will
need to get if you are going to buy the components from Farnell.
1N4007 diodes
100nF film 400v capacitor
100nF film 200v capacitor
100mA fuse
Step 2: Schematics






Here are the schematics, it is really easy to make, however, you need to make 34 stages of
capacitors and diodes if you live in 110v or 120v area, or 18 stages for 220v or 240v area, NOT 6
stages like you see in the schematic, I cannot add more stages to the schematic, sorry...

The schematic also includes the recommend value of the safety resistors, you don't have to add
those resistors, it just makes everything safer.
Step 3: Start making the multiplier!


I don't know how I can explain how to make this, but I will try my best.


First, glue the capacitors together to make solder a whole lot easier, Or you can use a vise if you
have one, that will also help you to get the job done faster.

As you can see in the picture, I glued seven capacitors together, and I am going to glue some more
on when I solder seven diodes on the multiplier. Doing so makes your job easier...
Step 4: Solder on the diodes...



Then start soldering on the diodes onto the capacitors like you see in the schematic. And trim off the
excess leads as you go along.

Also, make sure you make nice, shiny, and round(ish) solder joints to avoid corona discharge which
can cause a lot of problems to your voltage multiplier.
Step 5: Completed, and check your connections...


After you had soldered all the diodes onto the capacitors, check your connections closely:
Are all the diodes facing in one direction? If not, change the polarity of the diode.
Are all the solder joints shiny and round(ish)? If not, fix that.
Step 6: And the final connections








And finally, solder on the fuse, (safety resistor,) and the wires. It might be a good idea to cover all of
that in hot glue, to prevent the wires breaking and causing a huge problem.
Step 7: Completed!







Well, there you go, a high voltage power supply for the Marx Generator!

Also, it is high recommended you to put this whole voltage multiplier in a project box and fill it with
molten paraffin (candle wax). You can easily buy paraffin from most hobby stores.
The reasons for doing this are:
Protects you and others from high voltage electrical shock. (That is the main reason.)
Prevents corona discharge
And of course, it make everything look better and safer!
Step 8: Sparks and stuff



Best luck to you for making a Marx Generator
and the high voltage power supply!

You don't have to use the voltage multiplier just
only for the Marx Generator, you can use it as a
high voltage power supply for some thing else,
like kirlian photography, static motor, and stuff
like that. Or you can use it just for fun like make
sparks jump between the ends of the wires, and
impress your friends with it too!
Like I did below on the
pictures! :-)


If you want more voltage from the voltage multiplier, just simply add more stages of capacitors and
diodes! Each stage will add on another 120v or 240v to the voltage multiplier.

Well, I hoped you enjoyed this instructable!
If you have any questions, or need help, or found an error, or anything, make a comment!
I like comments!
:)