Negative Ion Generator, #2

Negative Ion Generator, #2 by Anthony J. Caristi
Build this negative ion generator and put some charge in your life."

If you've seen advertisements for negative ion generators in mail-order catalogs and wondered how they work, this project is for you. The simple version described here provides insight into their theory and applications, and is both informative and entertaining. Some of the demonstrations you can do with it will amaze you and your friends.
Many claims have been made for the beneficial attributes of negative atmospheric ions on human and plant life, especially by a Dr. Albert Krueger of the University of California. Studies have shown that negative ions promote physical and mental alertness and well-being, while positive atmospheric ions (such as in polluted air) cause discomfort and lassitude.
Certain negative ion properties can be demonstrated. For example, the surrounding air after a thunderstorm smells clean and fresh, due to generation of negative ions from lightning. The negative ions attach to smoke, pollen, and dust particles, bringing them to the ground to discharge, leaving fresh, clean air. That's why a cool room with a breeze is invigorating, compared with one that's stifling heated. Cool air is generally negatively ionized, whereas heated air is generally positively ionized.

The Circuit:

disclaimer

Construction:

Parts List:
   R1 = 1K, PC-Board mounted potentiometer
   R2 = 220 ohms
R3,R4 = 560 ohms
R5,R6 = 200- and 40-MegaOhm series high-voltage focus divider, RCA SK3868/DIV-1,
        used for an optional high-voltage range extender for a conventional
        high-impedance (10-MegOhm) voltmeter (see text).
   R7 = 2M7 (2.7 MegaOhms)
	 
   C1 = 1000uF/25V, electrolytic
   C2 = 100uF/16V, electrolytic
C3-C8 = 0.001uF, 10 Kilovolts, ceramic disc
   C9 - 0.001uF, 500 volts, ceramic disc, optional for aluminum can/neon bulb 
        experiment (see text)

   IC1 = LM317T, adjustable voltage regulator
 Q1,Q2 = TIP31B, NPN transistor
  LED1 = Light Emitting Diode, for the battery version
 D1,D2 = 1N4004, general-purpose diode
 D3,D4 = 1N4148, signal diode
D5-D10 = RCA SK3067/502 high-voltage diode, 12 KiloVolt PIV

Other Parts and Components:
 F1 = 0.5 amp slow-blow fuse with holder
NE1 = 120V AC neon-bulb assembly with 

The original supplier was "Images Company" , P.O. box 14072 Staten Island, 
NY 10314-024; Tel. 718/698-8305): D1 ($1.50), C3 and C4 ($1.50 each), and T2 
(17.95).  Include an additional $2.50 for shipping and handling.

(Tony's note for the above: This is the original information as it appeared in Popular
Electronics at the time in 1992.  The company may no longer exist or if it does,
may no longer have the components, or charge different prices, etc, etc.)

Bibliography:
"Negative Air Ion Effects on Learning Disabled and Normal Achieving Children", L.L. Morton and J.R. Kershner, University of Windsor, Faculty of Education, Ontario, Canada, 1990.
"Effect of Negative Ion Generators in a Sick Building", M.J. Finnegan, C.A. Pickering, F.S. Gill 1st, Aston, and D. Froese, Department of Thoracic Medicine, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, England, 1987.
"Aeroionization in Prophylaxis & Treatment of Respiratory Disease in Calves", T.I. Sologub, N.F. Borzenko, V.P. Zernlyanskiy, and K.F. Plakhotnyy, Russia, 1984.
"Effect of Ionization on Microbial Air Pollution in the Dental Clinic", J. Gabby, O. Bergerson, N. Levi, S. Brenner, and I. Eli, Research Institute for Environment Health, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel, 1990.
"Effects of Ionized Air on the PErformance of a Vigilance Task", G.C. Brown and R.E. Kirk, Systems Research Laboratories, Inc., Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, USA, 1987.
"Negative Ions", J.E. Wright, Muscle & Fitness Magazine, January 1991.
"Effect of Artificial Air Ionization on Broilers", P. Stoianov, G. Petkov, and B.D. Baikov, Vet Med Nauki, Bulgaria, 1983.

Copyright and Credits
This article is copyright by the author, Anthony J. Caristi, and first published in the 1991 issue of "Radio Electronics Magazine" (Page 41-44), and published by Gernsback Publishing (no longer in business).