Static grass

Discussion in 'Scenics' started by Andy_Sollis, Dec 15, 2019.

  1. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    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)
     
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  2. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    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.
     
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  3. MalcT

    MalcT Full Member

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    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
     
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  4. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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    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.
    :cheers::tophat:Gormo
    PS ....they run on two AA batteries each.
     
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  5. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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  6. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    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.
     
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  7. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    IMG_0766.JPG

    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.
     
  8. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    What’s actually Inside it Pete?

    I’m not sure how they work, hence why I wanted to have a go like yourself.
     
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  9. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    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.
     
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  10. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Sounds very interesting. I will have a look.

    Thanks
     
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  11. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    For anyone else thinking about making one, here are the YouTube videos suggested to be viewed above.





    Andy
     
  12. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Are you fixed up with a grass applicator yet Andy ?
     
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  13. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    think Dad and I will have a look at making one in the new year having watched the above
     
  14. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Mine works off on of the square 9 volt batteries and has an on / off rocker switch on the end of the handle
     
  15. Chris Doroszenko

    Chris Doroszenko Lost in the spare room Full Member

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    Looks like building the damn thing is gonna be more fun than buying one...time to dig out some parts from the shed...:thumbs:
     
  16. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    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... :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  17. Chris Doroszenko

    Chris Doroszenko Lost in the spare room Full Member

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    Cheers...looks like the generator kit is only $16 at the moment...:cool:
    Got plenty of PVC pipe and other off cuts in the shed...comes with the 3 years I spent in maintenance.:hammer:
     
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  18. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    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.
     
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