Re: [TCML] My x-ray machine

[Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 1/3/12 7:28 AM, Teslalabor wrote:
> Are you crazy? Correct me if I am wrong, but...
>
> 1. I think it is very illegal (and unhealthy) for a private person to
> build and especially operate a x-ray machine.

While not tesla coil related (except inasmuch as TCs were used in the 
early days to power an Xray source) it is relevant to talk about 
legalities..

The TCML has a world wide distribution and regulations and laws vary.
In the U.S., at least, there is no prohibition on making Xrays by 
oneself.  If you sell X-ray machines there are various and sundry rules 
and regulations just like for anything else one might sell.

In the TC hobby/business, we deal with lethal voltages, etc., all the 
time, X-rays are no more or less dangerous than 20kV HVDC or high power 
RF from a microwave oven magnetron.  They're different, and invisible, 
and can cause latent damage, but just as with HV in general, one can 
take sensible precautions.  If you don't know how to work with it, then 
sure, it's unhealthy.


> 2. It is very stupid to post pictures of this in the www so everybody
> can see, that you do this forbidden things. You should not be surprised
> when the men in black are knocking on your door someday...


That's a whole different issue.  Having not actually looked at the 
website in question I can't comment on the content, but in general, I 
can't see any problem with posting pictures and construction details for 
an X-ray source.  It was in Scientific American's Amateur Scientist 
column more than once, and various reputable publications (theBellJar, 
for one).

Again, tying this to TCs.. A lot depends on how you present things. If 
you are portraying it as fringe science, or as a super weapon, then yes, 
your neighbors might get a bit cranky, and you might attract attention. 
 And if your explanation skills aren't up to snuff, you might find 
yourself on the losing end of a "it might be dangerous, so don't do it". 
 Sort of like making your own fireworks, or high powered rocketry, or 
any other of dozens of potentially hazardous activities.

(hey, there are people who think you shouldn't be storing filled scuba 
cylinders in residential areas.)

Having personally experienced the odd experience of "men in black 
knocking on your door" (Although in my case, more like, man in suit in 
parking lot on your way out of apartment asking "are you James Lux?").. 
this isn't the kind of thing that they're interested in.

More likely the fire department or police (the same as if you mentioned 
that you store dozens of barrels of racing fuel in your garage next to 
the pallets of fertilizer)


A bigger concern that might be more relevant is that the web has 
infinite memory.  You might think it's cool and nifty to put up a 
"here's my death ray page" as a 15 year old with pictures showing you're 
a total bozo with respect to safety.  10 years later, you're applying 
for a job, and that kind of thing can come back to haunt you (although 
some places it would be an advantage... Hey, the kid didn't kill 
himself, since he's standing here in front of me, so he must have 
learned something...  But those places are the distinct minority).

It's in the same category as pictures of you standing with a goofy grin 
and the ubiquitous red cup, or cellphone video of you taking bong hits 
(of totally legal Salvia, to be sure...).  It just doesn't look good, 
and if YOU put the pictures up, it's even worse.


> 3. It is not very difficult to generate x-rays, so nothing special about
> it. Every body can do this.


Which is why putting it on the web is no big deal.

> And I also think x-ray stuff is not the topic of the TCML.


And there you have it..
>
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