We used metal mesh used for window screening. We clamped it in aluminum jaws and combed out a few horizontal strands so the verticals would be nice and pointy. No touching the belt but very close.
We were given an actual High Voltage Research belt worth $500 at the time because scientists toss them once they start to degrade. Maybe it would be worth doing some research in your area to find a similar cast off?
Derek <tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>Doug,
> Are your pickups actually rubbing on the belt (it looks like it
>from the video) or are they a used as combs, near, but not touching?
>
>Derek
>
>On 26/08/2015 23:33, Doug wrote:
>> You that are VDG enthusiasts should view this. I am using a conductive
>> plastic for the pickups, works way better than the standard VDG
>> pickups. Anybody wishing to try it email me personally for my address
>> and send me a self addressed stamped envelope, I'll send you some.
>> Doug.J. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCWAH-J091c
>>
>> On 8/26/2015 4:46 PM, Derek wrote:
>>> Doug,
>>>
>>> My vdg uses to rollers made from PVC and Nylon with a rubber belt. I
>>> tried latex, but the real rubber one was much better. I'm not sure
>>> exactly what the difference is. I may be able to find the link to the
>>> source on ebay if you are interested.
>>>
>>> Looking through various tribo-electricscale lists gives various
>>> values for PVC, Nylon and soft/hard rubber. So I went for a set that
>>> was roughly top middle and bottom in the lists. The combination works
>>> well for me.
>>>
>>> On my VDG both rollers have a crown roughly 1mm higher in the
>>> centre spread over 210mm. I found it very easy to set up the belts as
>>> long as there was some slip between roller and belt and the belt
>>> material was fairly stiff, otherwise the belt ended up folded over
>>> multiple times in the centre.
>>>
>>> More details.
>>> VDP Project:
>>> http://www.extremeelectronics.co.uk/blog/1mv-van-de-graff-project/
>>> Roller and belt detail:
>>> http://www.extremeelectronics.co.uk/blog/1mv-van-de-graff-project/vdg-rollers-combs-and-drive/
>>>
>>> Derek
>>>
>>>
>>> On 26/08/2015 20:22, Doug wrote:
>>>> I have been using black neoprene with excellent results but always
>>>> looking for something better.
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>>
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>
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