For the last few weeks we have been busy in Minnesota gathering information and parts for the new 'Sparky' cell design. A High Voltage Tesla technology based sparker, that was designed, built and donated by Dr. Stoyan Sarg will be used to stimulate the powder.

So far we played with wires, made an HV suppression circuit and set up the HUGnet lab boards to play nice with our new HV toy.

With immense help from our returning volunteer "Skip", who worked over long days and nights, we received and made all the necessary components. Now we have started to assemble the new cell.

Daily progress has been documented into Evernote as we really like the instant result when working with it. We have also worked on the website, where we can now introduce you to the project, piece by piece, and let you comment on it. Any suggestions how to make it more readable and undertandable are welcomed.

Enjoy and hope ho hear your thoughts soon.

UPDATE #1 - Cool videos

Assembling the Sparky cell

UPDATE #2 - Sparky is preparing for a jolt

The Sparky cell with the Ahern powder in has been loading with Hydrogen since the 17th of December and the H2 Pressure is now dropping by 2 or so psi per day which is not very exciting.

Currently it is at a nice stable 330ºC with 8W of input power, so we think it is about time to try to a few sparks.

We'll be trying out a few different temperatures/spark energies over the next few days to see what happens. Ryan will do it manually at first and then later on automatic script.

After that, as planned, we'll add some LiAlH4 assuming we can work out how to do this. The sparks should reach the required temperature to break down the LiAlH4.

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Ryan did a few sparks manually and it settled pretty quickly - need to wait till monday to allow some automation.