A Homer Simpson Moment

[Darson Hall]

I spent 3 days trying to track down the source of interference from my metal encased FPV camera bolted with a metal bolt to the deck. Thing actually started getting warm... I should have known this but somehow didn't.
Doooh!

 

[Old Man]

Carbon is a very good conductor. A word of caution, never, ever stick a wooden pencil with a graphite center into the arc of a Jacob's Ladder. You'll only do that once...

 

[dazzab]

Doh!

 

[ProfEngr]

Carbon is a very good conductor. A word of caution, never, ever stick a wooden pencil with a graphite center into the arc of a Jacob's Ladder. You'll only do that once...

Or try to insulate a flyback transformer (tesla-type project) output with radiator hose. The juice will track right up the nylon strands.

 

[Old Man]

I presume you found out the same way I did. My only excuse was I was still in grade school. My judgement error tossed me 10' across the room...

 

[ProfEngr]

Yes, but the power was under 48W on the LV side so no real harm done other than a little whitish spot on my finger. I could melt salt with it however. OK, I'd done w/ OT.

 

[Darson Hall]

A word of caution, never, ever stick a wooden pencil with a graphite center into the arc of a Jacob's Ladder.

Thanks! It's now on my official list of "Don'ts".