17 -

Basically works like this:

Voltage from your source -> Step Up Transformer (increases voltage at expense of current) -> Capacitor (To temporarily hold the large charge) -> Coil (forces voltage into next transformer) -> Secondary coil (acts as a second step up transformer) -> Capacitor (final storage before discharge, the top sphere)

http://peeceebee.home.mindspring.com/id1.html 

pottsie - I believe these images are real (but not mine). The ladder doesn't appear to have insulated feet (observe the charge leaving the ladder's feet). The charge is arcing through the rim, not the net.

haon123:

I think you're right about the feet on the ladder. I thin the arc visible is a gap between the metal and the feet, which would explain the light. However, in order for the stuff to arc to the rim, the path of conductance has to go through the backboard, and down the support to (or through) the base. Otherwise, no arc.

I mean, it's possible that the support is aluminum, which will conduct, but I'm pretty sure those bases are made of PVC, and typically weighted down by sand. So, if it is going to conduct, he probably had to attach a grounding wire to bypass the base.

Nevertheless, it is a cool pic.

Impressive

I don't think it's photoshopped... Take a look at these..

http://www.tesladownunder.com/index.html 

The ones where he does arcs of different colors is cool.

the shadows are all wrong in this picture. Also, there is not enough light being emitted from the arc; I've got a b-ball hoop just like the one in the pic and the base is plastic--no ground.

Finally, it looks like something is unplugged...

LMAO at JHC! i saw the photo and said to myself, "i want one!" and then i read your comment!

we have GOT to meet up one day!

http://www.badassoftheweek.com/tesla.html