Fusion Message Board

In this space, visitors are invited to post any comments, questions, or skeptical observations about Philo T. Farnsworth's contributions to the field of Nuclear Fusion research.

Subject: Instrumentation - Fusor
Date: Nov 11, 2:41 pm
Poster: Richard Hull

On Nov 11, 2:41 pm, Richard Hull wrote:

All,

Fancy instruments look good in the background of any photo of a technical device. Often they are indeed needed for indepth monitoring of related minutia.

The aspiring and poor fusorite should only require two electronic instruments to complete his or her fusor demo and one of those may be deleted if you are willing to "fly blind". (never a comforting thought).

The first instrument is a virtual must have. It is a voltohmeter (VOM) It can be of the analog meter type or the more pouplar LCD digital readout type. (Radio Shack - $20-$60 range) This can be used to measure current and voltage (up to 1500 volts), or adapted to read even higher. This is needed to follow the fusor's power input requirements. Often, two individual meters are used on the power supply to obtain these readings. Still, during assembly a lot of voltage measurments and checks might be required.

The second instrument is an incredibly valuable tool, but you can get along without it. This is, a theromcouple vacuum gauge - (TC gauge for short.)

This is an incredible tool for the new "vacuum head". It will allow intelligent troubleshooting of vacuum problems which so often plague and harass the fusor builder.

I highly recommend a good solid new instrument based on the DV-6M TC gauge tube. The cost for a fully supplied meter, electronics, cables and gauge tube brand new can be as little as $189.00 Duniway Stockroom (800) 446-8811, part # TCG-06M.

You will have to supply a simple box or panel to mount the meter on. Otherwise for $239.00 Duniway will send the same meter above in a nice sloped panel box with 4 rubber feet. Frankly if you can build a fusor, save the darned $50 and drill four holes in a panel or chassis box. Gee Whiz!!!

This is the analog metered version. The reason you must insist on the DV-6M is that it has its range expanded at the low end (0-100 microns), where as all others, (namely the 531), have their ranges expanded above 200 microns and very crowded at the lower ranges. (not where you need to read with resolution).

Those serious about neutron production must have this crucial tool.

A good clear closeup of the DV-6M meter and its scale can be seen on Gerald Morris' web page. (URL given in his Nov 10th post.)

Richard Hull