Another Static Grass Thread

[Cory Rothlisberger]

Guys, can someone edumicate me on static grass applicators? What risks am I running by buying a $25 dollar one off Amazon vs. an $80 Woodland Scenics one?



vs.

[Philip H]

I built one years ago off the MRH article/thread.  I think the ion generator was $25-30 at the time. So that cheap one - if it shows up, may be ok.

[JeffB]

If possible...  See if there's a spec listed for both that gives the kV (kilo Volt) rating for them.

Ideally, you want something that's in the vicinity of 15kV or more.

I've built several over the years, power output is king.  The more the better.  My most recent iteration is a 30kV unit, based around a commercial DC negative Ion generator.  The downside to such a unit is that they're $50, which isn't too much of a downside unless you let the smoke out of it by wiring it wrong or putting too high an input voltage into it (which can happen). 

I brought the cost down by buying 6 to get a quantity discount, which I think brought the price down to $35 each.  But it only made sense because I was going to build a few for some friends and my father in law.

Jeff

[CRR Chase]

buy 4 cheap ones.. that way youre covered haha..

I use the cheap ones... because theyre;.. well cheap... they do fine...

[Scottl]

I bought a version of the top picture.  It was all but useless.

I'm looking for a precision applicator, one where you are not creating football fields when you apply the grass.  I have a few of the ion generators that I bought years ago, but don't have a good circuit to use them in 

[peteski]

Cory's $25 applicator to me clearly shows that it was made from an inexpensive bug-zapper handle (which houses the battery and high voltage generator unit).  Those don't generate very high voltages (probably couple thousand volts or less).

[chuck geiger]

I had the electric fly swatter from Harbor Freight that lasted for ten years. Then last year bought the 30-dollar one on
Amazon and it works great except the wire from the screen to the unit came loose and I have to keep popping it back in
place and it seems OK. It hates woodland Scenics SG and works better with Scenic Express.

[craigolio1]

I tried to make one out of a bug zapper racquet a couple of years ago and it was a failure.

I started with this video as guidance:

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But cheaped out in the ion generator. I made it with interchangeable hoppers for use in small or large areas. Alas it was a cool design but the bug zapper didn’t cut it.

I have since purchased the ion generator used in the video but havn’t gotten around to installing it as I havn’t done any scenery. If it doesn’t work I’ll toss it all and buy a quality off the shelf unit, all the while regretting not doing that in the first place, haha.

Craig



Craig.

[wazzou]

I built one years ago based on a Z Trains article.
It works perfectly.  I think I still have the instructions in PDF form.
I bought the Negative Ion Generator and other parts from Electronic Goldmine, if I recall.
I’d read that that specific generator was discontinued shortly thereafter, but I’m sure there are others.
I think all told, it cost < $25 total at that time.

[haasmarc]

I'm looking for a precision applicator, one where you are not creating football fields when you apply the grass.  I have a few of the ion generators that I bought years ago, but don't have a good circuit to use them in 

https://www.wwscenics.com/product/pro-grass-detailer-applicator-1/

Not cheap but it is more precision.  WWS has discounts occasionally. I bought some things over Christmas.  Takes a few weeks to get as well.
I have one but haven't tried it yet.  I also have their medium size applicator and it works very well.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Your time is valuable. Just get one of the commercial ones and get to work.

[robert3985]

Your time is valuable. Just get one of the commercial ones and get to work.

What Ed said...

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore