[Generator]
●No arc is produced.
The following factors can prevent arcs from being produced. Check each of these carefully.
[Poor positioning of rotating drum and collecting plate]
If the collecting plate is too far away from the rotating drum, electrons will not pass properly to the plate, and therefore, the static-electricity charge will be very slow to build up. Ensure that the collecting plate is as close to the rotating drum as possible.
[Discharge at storage plate’s aluminum tape]
In certain cases, turning the handle will produce a popping sound but no arc will be formed between the wires. This occurs when discharge is occurring inside the unit. The most likely location for this discharge is between the strips of aluminum tape applied to the front and rear of the insulating plate. If these strips of tape are closer at any point than the wires, air discharge will occur between them. To rectify this situation, cut away some of the outer aluminum tape so as to increase the size of the gap.
[Contact]
Check whether the wires are correctly inserted into the contact springs. If no connection is being made, securely reinsert the wires.
[Gap between the wires]
Air discharge will not readily occur if the gap between the wires is too large. Ensure that this gap is approximately 3 mm. If the internal aluminum tape and the wire gap are carefully adjusted, the arc can be produced over distances of up to 5 mm.
[Humidity]
High humidity makes it less likely for static electricity to be produced. In such a case, set the room’s air conditioner to Dry mode to reduce the humidity level.
[Cotton wool]
The cotton wool is a consumable part. It may become detached or thin as the drum is rotated. If the cotton wool has become detached, reapply using double-side tape; meanwhile, if it has become worn and thin, cut a sheet of cosmetic-use, 100% cotton wool or the like to an appropriate size and use it as a replacement. The cotton wool should be replaced to a new one if oil has gotten onto the cotton wool.
[Curved surface of the drum]
If oil gets onto the curved surface of the rotating drum, disassemble the drum and clean away the oil using a neutral detergent. Once the surfaces are completely dry, apply oil to the ends only, and then reassemble the drum.
●The handle cannot be turned easily.
Add lubricating oil at the points where the rotating drum comes into contact with the end plates. Take special care at this time to ensure that oil does not get onto the drum’s curved surface or onto the cotton wool, and also that the cotton wool does not get caught between the drum and the end plates. In the latter case, it may become very difficult to turn the handle. To rectify this situation, disassemble the rotating drum, remove all cotton wool from the drum and end plates using tissue, reapply lubricating oil to the drum, and then reassemble.
●Turning the handle produces a rasping sound.
A rasping sound will be produced when the tip of the collecting plate makes contact with the rotating drum. If this seems to be the case, move the collecting plate back by approximately 1 mm.
[Franklin motor]
●The rotor does not turn.
Move the aluminum tape as close as possible to the rotor, aiming for a distance of no more than 1 mm between the tip of the tape and the surface of the rotor. In addition, if the rotor does not rotate smoothly when turned by hand, check for any contact between the rotor frame and the aluminum tape. If these steps do not resolve the problem, check the contacts. Check whether the wires and the rotor frame’s aluminum tape are correctly inserted into the contact springs. If no connection is being made, securely reinsert the wires or tape.
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