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Re: Believe it or not!
Jeff,
This sounds very much like the Moody Bible Institute's educational
lectures on Science and Religion. If so, the fellows that do this stunt
apparently know what they are doing, and have been doing this particular
demonstration for at least 40 years. When I was only 11 or 12 years old,
I remember seeing George Speak (after 40 years I STILL remember his
name) do this program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and as the grand finale'
he stood in bare feet on top of a large resonator and let 3-4 foot
sparks jump from his fingertips (which were covered with thimbles). It
was quite a show! :^)
I do share your concerns with amateurs trying this, but these guys are
not amateurs. The risk is more likely from some kid watching the show
then trying to duplicate the stunt. A few fried kids nationwide, and the
Safety Nazi's will move in to "help" regulate the hobby...
-- Bert --
Tesla List wrote:
>
> Original Poster: "Jeff W. Parisse" <jparisse-at-teslacoil-dot-com>
>
> TCML,
>
> A few days I was approached by the Ripley's "Believe It
> Or Not" television show to do an on screen interview
> for an upcoming episode on Tesla coils. After learning
> the details, however, I declined. Here's why...
>
> Many of you already know my stance on the "Lightning
> Guy" high voltage stunt that is performed professionally
> by kVA Effects member Brent Turner. I feel that this is the
> most dangerous high voltage stunt in our industry and
> should not be attempted by ANY non-professional despite
> electrical engineering experience. Mistakes can be fatal
> and the more reasonable among us certainly agree that
> mistakes can never be fully factored out of most situations.
> We, as experts in high voltage special effects, have only
> performed this stunt twice in the last three years and always
> with a stunt coordinator, several HV technicians and safety
> personnel on hand. We take our work VERY seriously.
>
> The representative from the "Believe It or Not" television
> production informed me that the show's subject is an
> Evangelical "Power" Christian that hooks himself to a
> Tesla coil to demonstrate God's power to his audience.
>
> I have no issue with Evangelical Christianity, "Power"
> Christianity or any other religious organization's efforts
> to entertain their followers or increase their numbers
> through recruitment efforts.
>
> I do take extreme exception to this public display and
> am concerned that this person is going to kill himself
> in front of an audience (as Henry Transom did).
>
> Public accidents will kill your hobby and my profession.
> This type of public irresponsibility will subject Tesla coils
> to negative Federal and State scrutiny. I know this. Trust
> me. I will be revisiting this subject soon. Stay tuned.
>
> Jeff W. Parisse
> Director, kVA Effects
> www.teslacoil-dot-com