Can you make your own applicators? Or is it as worthwhile just buying one? Seems an expensive tool that may just be a one off... or does anyone have one kicking about they could “loan”? (Just a thought)
Hi Andy, I have a proprietary one you can borrow if you wish as I'm not using it at present. Just PM me and we'll sort out when you want it. Keith.
It's something I will need to think about. Been looking at the 'Pro Grass Micro Applicator' from WWS, not too expensive. https://www.wwscenics.com/product/pro-grass-micro-applicator-four-seasons-grass-kit/ Malc
G`day Andy, I made two from bug zappers at a total cost of 15 dollars Australian https://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/great-chesterford-junction.6/page-23#post-13331 There are plenty of how to videos on the net that use this method. Gormo PS ....they run on two AA batteries each.
I will have a look at this later. I would like to have a go at making my own, if not, I’ll take @Keith M up on his kind offer.
Yes, they can be home made. I made a rather large applicator from an Ion Generator. I purchased the ion generator for approx. $14.00 Au and the rest is just wires, steel mesh and 50mm plumbers pipe ! This diagram shows it connected to a 9 volt battery, but now I have connected it to a transformer that can be switched from 3v - 6v - 9v - 12v. I drew this diagram back in 2014 after much interest during exhibitions ! Cheers, Gary.
This is my version of Luke Towans static grass applicator whose youtube channel has the directions on how to build it. I use a 12volt plug in transformer from an old internet router, the whole lot cost me around £30 and I have enough stuff left over to build another half dozen or so. It works a treat! Cheer's, Pete.
What’s actually Inside it Pete? I’m not sure how they work, hence why I wanted to have a go like yourself.
The part that doe's the static charge is called an "Ion generator", it is a small box doodad that is connected to a power supply and it generates a very high voltage, around 4000v in mine. The output is connected to the wire mesh on the cup at the base, the long wire with the crocodile clip is the earth. When switched on it generates a positive charge in the grass fibres that are attracted to the earth/negative, the part you want grass on. The Ion generator that I bought on evilbay came with 2 outputs with carbon brushes at the end, I just cut off the carbon brushes off, bared the wires and twisted them together then soldered a long bit of wire to them, the other end I soldered to the wire mesh. The Ion generator was the most expensive part at about £8 or £9. I would recommend you check out Lukes videos, there are 3, 1 showing how to make the body, the second the electronics and the third an update on the first two. It is a doddle to build, you will find it easy mate! Cheer's, Pete.
For anyone else thinking about making one, here are the YouTube videos suggested to be viewed above. Andy
Mine works off on of the square 9 volt batteries and has an on / off rocker switch on the end of the handle
Looks like building the damn thing is gonna be more fun than buying one...time to dig out some parts from the shed...
I purchased all my parts for the one I use and it cost me less than $28.00 including the ion generator. The ion generator can be purchased from Oatley Electronics : https://oatleyelectronics.com/ I see Oatley Electronics is selling the ion generator with power packs as well... Cheers, Gary.
Cheers...looks like the generator kit is only $16 at the moment... Got plenty of PVC pipe and other off cuts in the shed...comes with the 3 years I spent in maintenance.
One of the things about making your own is the amount of left over stuff, I've enough to build 2 or 3, so I bought 2 more ion generators and mains adaptors, I just need to get me finger out! Pete.