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Build a simple Marx Generator

by Plasmana on August 25, 2008

Table of Contents

intro: Build a simple Marx Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: So, how does it work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 2: The dangers you must know... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: What you will need are... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 4: Also you need the tools! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 5: Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 6: The construction of the marx generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

step 7: Spark gaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

step 8: Testing... Testing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SNAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

step 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 10: SPARKS!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
intro: Build a simple Marx Generator
Do you like the idea of tesla coils and other high voltage sparking stuff, but don't have the time, money or patience to build something that is elaborate?

Well, here's a fun 'n' simple project that can make big, fat, noisy sparks at least 2 inches long, and can be built very quickly and cheaply. It might be even more fun to use
a marx generator than using a 'very complicated to build' tesla coil!

And to let you know, this "Quick & Dirty" Marx generator website helped me a lot to build this marx generator.

If you have no idea what is a marx generator, you might be saying this in your mind "What the hell is a marx generator!", read about it here on Wikipedia.

WARNING! This project generates very high pulse discharge voltages, which can seriously harm and could be potentially lethal to you and others that are careless to
touch the output of the marx generator.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 1: So, how does it work?
The Marx generator consists of an array of resistors, capacitors and spark gaps arranged as follows in the schematic...

The capacitors are charged up in parallel through the resistors, so they each become charged to the input voltage. When all of the spark gaps fires (sparks), the
capacitors get effectively connected in series, therefor multiplying the input voltage by the number of capacitors and causing a long spark at the end of the marx
generator.

Rb has a ballasting effect, it is used to prevent a continuous arc forming across the first gap - this prevents further firing of the marx generator. The value of the resistor
will mainly depend on the type of power supply is used, in this case, we are going to use an 10M resistor for this marx generator on this instructable. However, you can
reduce the Bb's value to try get more 'bangs per second' without causing an arc forming on the spark gap...

Now, you know how it works (I hope),lets build it!

Image Notes
1. This is where you get a big spark.
2. Spark gap.
3. All the resistors are 1M 1 watt.
4. Any value ceramic capacitor with voltage ratings of 4 - 8Kv.
5. 10M 1 watt resistor.

step 2: The dangers you must know...

The marx generators are dangerous high voltage generating machines, they produce a pulse discharge of many thousands of volts at approximately 5 to 10 amps! If the
spark form the marx generator bites you, your life is over...

There is one thing you must know, a healthy human heart can only withstand electric currents maximum 10mA. Currents over 10mA can results death, I am NOT joking
here, this is serous stuff, a lot of people thinks your heart can handle currents up to 500mA, THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! THEY ARE WRONG!!! If you don't believe me, then
test your self against a high voltage 500mA power supply, a small microwave transformer would do, put your hand on one lead, put your other hand on the other lead,
turn on the power supply and you will be sorry...

The marx generator will also be dangerous after the power is turned off, because the capacitors will hold a lethal charge in them, so, MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU
DRAIN ALL THE CAPACITORS BEFORE YOU TOUCH THE DEVICE!!! Otherwise you will get a 'surprise shock' form the capacitors which can seriously harm you or
even death...

Also, every time a marx generator fires (make a spark), it kicks out a lot of UV radiation, and sometimes X-rays! Staring at the sparks form the marx generator can cause
problems with your eyes, so wear UV sunglasses or briefly watch it every ones a while.

Okay, you might be a bit scared after reading this horrible step, so do you think you can build a marx generator? Or find it too dangerous to build it? The choice is yours...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 3: What you will need are...
I based the components I had easily available.
The recommended components you should get are ceramic capacitors and 1M 1 watt resistors. The ceramic capacitors are best suited for this project, because they are
cheap, readily available, and they are good for in pulse discharge circuits. Polypropylene pulse-rated capacitor would also work well, but are more expensive, and harder
to find with high voltage ratings. The resistors should be about 1M and 1 watt type, the normal 1/4 watt resistors are very unsuitable, if used, it will cause arcing and the
resistors will burn out and damage the marx generator, so use the 1 watt metal glazed or carbon film resistors is suitable.

If in doubt, try building just a couple of stages first to see how well the parts you use will work before you buy more...

But I will tell you what I used...

Ten 1nF, 4Kv ceramic capacitors

Twenty 1M, 2 watt, 500v carbon film resistors (I brought the 2 watt resistors because they are somewhat cheaper then the 1 watt resistors!)
Two 4.7M, 1 watt, 3.5Kv metal glazed resistor for the Rb.

Also you can use a base for your marx generator, the best suited base are glass (too fragile), ceramic (it's breakable) plastics (ideal, but some of them may be
conductive), or whatever you think it is good! I use wood, a very baaad idea (because wood is conductive), but I have no choice, wooden base or no base.

You can use capacitors with larger values to get fatter, louder sparks, but take longer to recharge! You can often run capacitors in excess of their rated voltage, but
obviously this increased the risk of failure!

And don't forget, the size of sparks at the output gap will depend on the input voltage and number of stages...

(UPDATE)
I got all my components from Farnell. Here is a list of things you will need to get if you are going to buy the components from Farnell.
1nF 4Kv ceramic capacitors
1M 2 watt 500v carbon film resistors
4.7M 1 watt 3.5Kv metal glazed resistor

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 4: Also you need the tools!
Also you need the tools!
What you will really need is a soldering iron! Or you will have a pain in the ass time to build the marx generator, and get very poor results because of the corona
discharge...

You will need a helpers hands, they are very useful to have, they help you to get the job done quicker. If you don't have one, MAKE ONE! Salvaged Solder Helper

Hot glue gun is also very handy, it holds everything in place.

And you may need other common tools for this project...

step 5: Power supply

The marx generator requires a low-current, high voltage DC in the range 4-8KV power supply. Small, low-current HV power supplies are found in things like ionisers (air
purifiers), photocopiers and laser printers, those should be suitable.

I made my own 6Kv power supply for my marx generator. My power supply is a small homemade 350v inverter with a 18 stage voltage multiplier to get about 6.3Kv.

OR, you can make your own power supply for your marx generator, go to this instructable: High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator

Also the marx generator has no polarity, you can connect it to the HV power supply in any way round.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 6: The construction of the marx generator.
Depending how you want your marx generator, I will tell you how I did mine...

I first hot glue the capacitors on the base.

Then I soldered the 1M resistors on the capacitors using my handy helper's hands, and cutting off the excess resistor's leads. But I did not cut the capacitor's lead down,
you will see why on the next step...
Then I soldered the 4.7M resistors in.
And one more thing, make sure you have good solder joints, and make sure they are no pointy ends on the marx generator, except the capacitor's leads and the HV
output of the marx generator. Otherwise having pointy ends all over the marx generator will cause corona discharge, and that will decrease the performance of the marx
generator.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. HV output! 1. Good solder joint.
2. Rb resistors. 2. Capacitor's lead.

step 7: Spark gaps

Okay, once you had soldered the capacitors and resistors all together, you need to make the spark gaps.
This is what the capacitor's leads are for, making the spark gaps!
Okay, so bend the leads into a "V" shape and bring the ends of the "V" shaped leads about 2 mm (about 0.08 inch) close together.
But do not bring the pointy ends of the leads close together, that will cause a lot of corona discharge, and your marx generator will have very poor performance, or might
not ever work...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Good. This is how you should do it. 1. Good solder joint.
2. Capacitor's lead.

Image Notes
1. This is where you get a big spark.
2. Spark gap.
3. All the resistors are 1M 1 watt.
4. Any value ceramic capacitor with voltage ratings of 4 - 8Kv.
5. 10M 1 watt resistor.

step 8: Testing... Testing...

All right, you had built a marx generator, and it is now time to test it! Wire up your marx generator to the HV power supply and flip the switch!

3... 2... 1... *Flips switch* And.....

SNAP
Wow!

SNAP
Cool!

SNAP
It works!!! Yay!

SNAP

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 9: Troubleshooting
If you have problems with your mark generator, read here...

Q. - My marx generator is not making any sparks, but I hear faint hissing and/or faint snap noise, and sometimes see a purple glow.
A. - This is a good thing, your marx generator is working, but one or more gaps are probably too far apart, push them closer together. If gaps are too close, especially
near the supply end, you may see a continuous arc forming, preventing further operation. Increasing the gap on the first (and possibly second) stage may reduce the
tendency to arc. Increasing the ballast resistor Rb also helps, at the expense of slower recharge time.

Q. - My marx generator is not doing anything what so ever.

A. - Is there something wrong with the inverter? Check it to see if it working or not.
A. - Did you make sure you built the marx generator properly?
A. - Did you miss out any connections?

Q. - My marx generator is working, but after a few seconds, it made a "POP" noise, and it did not work again...
A. - That is a bad sign, a capacitor may have been destroyed from excess voltage OR your HV power supply has been killed from the extremely high voltage spikes from
the marx generator. Replace the capacitor/inverter and don't make that same mistake again...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
step 10: SPARKS!!!
My marx generator works very well, it generates loud, bright, sparks that are up to 2 inches long (5 cm)! That is about 50Kv (50,000v) coming out of that thing!

Well I hope yours works when you build one! :)

And can you post a picture of your marx generator if you build one?

I hope you enjoyed this instructable, and enjoy the photos down below! And the video I just uploaded!

Comment if you need help, have question, or anything! I like comments!

(UPDATE) I just uploaded a video of my marx generator working, sorry for the poor quality with no sounds, I had used my crappy camera. :(

Video

Image Notes

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 1. 2 inch long spark!!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 Image Notes
1. A spark from my Marx Generator.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 232 comments

plcrules says: Oct 11, 2008. 10:54 AM REPLY

on step 5 wat is the first pic and where do the red and black wires go?

dj_nme says: Aug 30, 2008. 9:31 AM REPLY

The spark given off by this is tiny and low amperage compared to an electric welding arc.
To stop UV radiation (which is the primary type of dangerous radiation from an electric welding arc) an ordinary pair of clear safety glasses/goggles will do
the job, but you will still get eyestrain from the visible light given off and (of course) UV ray-burns to any unprotected skin (think of very bad sunburn).
This generator is nowhere near as powerful as an arc welding machine, so there is no reason to expect that normal, clear safety glasses/goggles would not
provide more than sufficient protection to your eyes.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 patenaude says: Aug 30, 2008. 11:43 AM REPLY
It may be lower amperage, but an arc welder has almost no voltage. While an arc welder provides 100's (sometimes 1000's) of amps, it does it at only a
volt or two. At that voltage, your body is effectively an open circuit, and it poses no danger. You could apply the cathode and anode of an arc welder
directly to the heart, and the biggest danger would be from infection.

However, 5kV-10kV is serious, and while a static charge on your finger is higher voltage (20kV), it only has a few microamps, whereas this will put out an
amp or two of a few milliseconds. Actually, it's producing a 2 inch spark, it must be getting to at least 50kV and probably higher since the breakdown
voltage of dry air is 33kV/cm. (It's less for humid air). At that voltage, x-rays are a real possibility, though probably not that many.

sephiroth9393 says: Oct 9, 2008. 6:30 AM REPLY

Are you serious? The body can handle a good deal of voltage compared to amps, depending on the path it takes. go ahead and try that with your
dad's welder and we won't be viewing anymore posts from you. He's right about the 10mA and it technically only takes about 82 volts across your
heart to possibly disrupt it's rhythm. Open circuit or not sh*t happens. All it takes is some water or a small cut.

TheMadScientist says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:31 AM REPLY

poses no danger? people have died while welding in the rain. that's why if you feel one jolt, keep going, two, and you should quit for the day.

TheMadScientist says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:32 AM REPLY

and it may provide only a volt or two, but the arc can be drawn to two centimeters(at max) and that's a helluva lot of amperage.

Derinsleep says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:12 AM REPLY

x-rays only form in arcs made in vacuum,like a lightbulb with nitro-argon gas will spark nicely with only uv,a vacuumed bulb would make xrays and
thus glow an eerie green

Derinsleep says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:09 AM REPLY

no,40 volts is the standard arc welder voltage.

jedidiah_victor says: Oct 3, 2008. 11:50 PM REPLY

Whoa! Very interesting. You maybe a science fan.

Plasmana says: Oct 8, 2008. 5:34 AM REPLY

Maybe...

RLDMICRO says: Aug 29, 2008. 12:19 PM REPLY

A great Instructable! Very clear and easily dooable!
I have a Basic Electrical Theory Question: Why are the spark gaps needed? Seems like all those sparks somehow "subtract" from the total output of the
Marx.

Plasmana says: Aug 30, 2008. 5:18 PM REPLY

The spark gaps are really automatic high voltage switches to connect the capacitors in series (when they are fully charged) to multiply the voltage to get
a long spark at the end of the marx generator.

kruser495 says: Oct 2, 2008. 4:40 AM REPLY

is there any other place that has this stuff, farnell has a 20 dollar shipping charge.

Plasmana says: Oct 2, 2008. 5:50 PM REPLY

Ouch! That is too expensive...

Here is Farnell's partner website, Newark, I think it is same thing as Farnell, but sells stuff in America. Tell me what you think of it! :-)

kruser495 says: Oct 2, 2008. 5:57 PM REPLY

it still has a 20 shipping charge......

Plasmana says: Oct 2, 2008. 6:17 PM REPLY

Well, that sucks...

Did you try Digikey?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 kruser495 says: Sep 30, 2008. 4:00 PM REPLY
30,000 volts = 1 centimeter spark. so yours cant be only 50,000 if your sparks are 5 cm.

Plasmana says: Oct 1, 2008. 9:14 AM REPLY

From what I learned:
Pointy ends of the wire = 1.1Kv per mm.
Smooth ends of the wire = (much lower breakdown voltage)

Spedy says: Aug 29, 2008. 6:39 PM REPLY

The tiny sparkgaps help with the multiplication. A Marx works like this:

1) all the capacitors are charged to the same voltage through the resistors.
2)after a certain voltage, the tiny gaps act like switches wiring all the capacitors in parallel. This makes output voltage = input voltage x number of
capacitors.

Without the tiny gaps, there won;t be any voltage multiplication.

A much better explanation is on the website linked to at the start of the instructable.

Plasmana says: Aug 30, 2008. 5:14 PM REPLY

No offence, but you got it wrong...
The tiny gaps act like switches wiring all the capacitors in series! Not parallel.
The capacitor charges in parallel via resistors. And discharges in series through the spark gaps.

Kn1nJa says: Sep 18, 2008. 8:58 AM REPLY

Where did you purchase your supplies?

Plasmana says: Sep 18, 2008. 2:39 PM REPLY

All from Farnell.

Derinsleep says: Sep 28, 2008. 10:41 AM REPLY

farnell sux because they dont have a Turkey page
I hate the fact that no English website has Turkish,well some do,like google,Im a Turk and I want to be in a country that people care about

Plasmana says: Sep 28, 2008. 2:03 PM REPLY

Well that sucks... :(

Kn1nJa says: Sep 19, 2008. 10:57 AM REPLY

Thank you very much! Now I have to go buy a bunch of stuff and find a decent HV power supply.

If only I could get an autotransformer from an X-Ray unit.

Plasmana says: Sep 26, 2008. 10:31 AM REPLY

High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator

Kn1nJa says: Sep 27, 2008. 8:33 AM REPLY

Thanks again for the farnell link. I bought the components and received them within a week......that's from the UK to the US!

I am most definitely buying all my components from farnell from now on.

Now I will have to make another purchase so I can build the HV supply on your other instructable. I will post pictures when finished.

Plasmana says: Sep 28, 2008. 2:03 PM REPLY

And have you been to Newark? I think it is same as Farnell, but sells stuff in America.

Plasmana says: Sep 28, 2008. 2:00 PM REPLY

Yeah, unlike most other suppliers, Farnell has an ultimate range of stuff.

And good luck with your projects!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 kruser495 says: Sep 30, 2008. 6:25 PM REPLY
i am thinking of making this as a sci project. if i were to get shocked would i die? what is the amperage this thing gives off?

Plasmana says: Oct 1, 2008. 11:45 AM REPLY

It is very likely you can die if you get shocked by this marx generator.
I really don't know how much amperage that comes out of that thing, I guess about between 5A to 20A.

kruser495 says: Oct 1, 2008. 12:20 PM REPLY

what if it only shocks one hand, so it doesnt go a cross my heart?

Plasmana says: Oct 1, 2008. 4:47 PM REPLY

It will if your other hand is holding something.

kruser495 says: Oct 1, 2008. 7:23 PM REPLY

what somthing?

Plasmana says: Oct 2, 2008. 5:10 PM REPLY

Anything that is conductive.

Plasmana says: Sep 19, 2008. 12:08 PM REPLY

Okay, good luck!

thermoelectric says: Sep 27, 2008. 6:53 AM REPLY

If anyone is finding it hard to find HV resistors, Just solder some "normal" resistors together in series

Plasmana says: Sep 28, 2008. 3:05 AM REPLY

Yes, you can do that.

thermoelectric says: Sep 28, 2008. 3:09 AM REPLY

Yea...

BEAST14 says: Sep 26, 2008. 7:58 PM REPLY

hey, can I buy one of these from somewhere because I dont have the time or parts to make one?

twenglish1 says: Aug 28, 2008. 3:52 PM REPLY

hey awesome instructibe and can you post the schematic of the inverter

Plasmana says: Aug 28, 2008. 4:32 PM REPLY

I am going to make an instructable about it soon...

twenglish1 says: Aug 28, 2008. 4:48 PM REPLY

ok cool i cant wait to see it

Plasmana says: Sep 26, 2008. 10:39 AM REPLY

High Voltage Power Supply For Marx Generator

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/
 twenglish1 says: Sep 26, 2008. 12:04 PM REPLY
awesome i can't wait to build one!!!

OneHalf says: Aug 30, 2008. 10:34 AM REPLY

What if this was done with AC?

Plasmana says: Aug 30, 2008. 5:51 PM REPLY

No, DC.

OneHalf says: Aug 31, 2008. 12:04 AM REPLY

No, I mean, WHAT IF?

Plasmana says: Aug 31, 2008. 3:56 AM REPLY

It will not work, the AC will simply flow through the capacitors, and not charge them...

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_simple_Marx_Generator/