This is a small Xenon 180W XBO lamp normally used in medical equipment. These are specialist lamps and not related to car headlamp, so called xenon lamps which are actually halide lamps. Although new it wouldn’t work. On investigation it looks like it was connected in reverse bias causing the cathode to be damaged instantly. This has changed the lamp’s operating specifications to the point it wont work. I decided to try and get some life out of it so that I could look at the spectral output. Warning if using head phones: the high voltage spark gapped igniter used in the video produces loud spark. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWQmMNZt7Ag

This is an attempt to make a safe-ish portable “Can Crusher” for electromagnetic demonstration purposes. As the energy stored is dangerous a number of safety precautions are employed. These include an air pressure switch so that the operator has no electrical connection to the unit. There is also a mechanical switch for discharging if the firing circuit or coil fails. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUIhGi63jsU

75 years of the transistor To make this short video celebrating 75 years of the transistor, I made this replica of the first demonstrated germanium transistor. The construction has a small piece of germanium sitting on a plate forming the base connection. Two very close gold contacts are on either side of the anvil above. These are pressed into the top surface of the germanium with an adjustable spring load. On testing it didn't demonstrate amplification but I spent less time setting it up. I think it was tricky to get the first one working. Considering how much the world now depends on these it's scarcely celebrated. Can't imagine how many transistors are in the world now, many very old and still in working condition. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16OvHF0sOBU

This old and very heavy laboratory high voltage transformer, being run here for the first time in years, demonstrates it needs a lot of respect. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL6cp-XGMNs