The device
The technical page for the DIY audience: signal chain, assemblies, comparison criteria of the known replicas — and the measurements as they arrive.
Signal chain
Assemblies
Values from the literature on the original and the replicas. We replace them with our own dated measurements once the reference device has been measured.
| Module | Function | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variac and HV transformer | Adjustable mains voltage, then step-up to tens of kilovolts. Together with the spark-gap spacing this sets the pulse energy. | tens of kV (output) | literature value, reference pending own measurement pending |
| Capacitor bank | Stores charge between discharges; chokes decouple the charging circuit from the RF circuit. Bleed resistors are mandatory (see Safety). | — | own measurement pending |
| V-type spark gap | Tungsten electrodes in a V arrangement, pulse rate 800–4000 Hz. The most wear-prone part — electrode thickness and serviceability are a key difference between replicas. | pulse rate 800–4000 Hz | literature value, reference pending own measurement pending |
| Tesla coils | Two coupled air coils, resonances from ≈3.3 MHz. The insulation build decides over flashovers and lifetime. | resonances from ≈3.3 MHz | literature value, reference pending own measurement pending |
| Lakhovsky antennas | Concentric open rings of different metals; the outer ring resonates at ≈45 MHz. The second antenna runs in antiphase — the object sits in the field between them. | outer ring ≈45 MHz; total spectrum > 1000 MHz | literature value, reference pending own measurement pending |
| Enclosure and shielding | Interlock, earthing, ventilation (ozone/UV) at the device; the operating room needs a shielded cabin — otherwise the spark transmitter disturbs radio reception within ≈100 m. | — | own measurement pending |
Key property: the electric field component is strong, the magnetic one weak — which fundamentally distinguishes the MWO from magnetotherapy devices it is often confused with.
Replica comparison (RT17 · RKM5 · RKMH5 · original)
We compare the known replicas and the 1930s original along fixed criteria. The full table with values gets published together with our own measurements — we do not print claims without a measurement.
- Antenna material: multiple metals (original) vs. pure copper (RKM5/RKMH5)
- Adjustability of antenna position
- Spark gap construction
- Tungsten electrode thickness
- Tesla coil insulation
- Corona-mode capability
- Spark gap maintenance effort
Measurements
Oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, HV divider, field probes, thermal camera. Oscillograms and spectra appear here and in the journal shortly after they are taken. Until then the graphic shows the schematic state of knowledge.