Just thought I’d share this with you; adapted from an old high frequency manual into a modern format.
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Buying a Violet Wand on Ebay
If you’re going to be buying a Violet Wand on ebay, you’re either going to be using ebay as the medium through which you get in contact with sellers like bound2tease or buying a vintage unit to have reconditioned for you.
If you do decide to go for a vintage unit, or a unit of unknown quality and origin.
What to look for:
Condition of the case
- is the case moldy, or worn out?
- is the original lining still intact?
- are the original electrode clips still intact?
- are the hinges and fastenings rusted?
- is the case dented?
Condition of the handset
- is the bakelite chipped, cracked or otherwise worn?
- is there evidence of wax leaking out?
Condition of the “box” (if a two-piece unit)
- if hardboard/paper fronted, is the fascia worn/discolored?
- are the knobs broken off, or chipped?
Condition of the cable
- is the cable frayed?
- is the voltage correct for your area?
Hopefully running through this checklist will help you a little if you do decide to try your hand at the lottery of ebay shopping for Violet Wands.
Cleaning your Violet Wand Electrodes
Cleaning your Violet Wand electrodes should be part of your routine of using your wand.
Electrodes come in all shapes and sizes, but fortunately, almost of all of them are smooth glass; This makes them very easy to clean.
Alcohol wipes (the same kind you get for cleaning eyeglasses) usually do the job nicely, but for more stubborn dirt if any should get on there, a soapy cloth dipped in warm water (careful not to get the endcaps wet!) should do the trick.
Another option is to use anti-bacterial hand cleaner, in conjunction with the alcohol wipes, which will ensure a nice clean electrode when you’re done.
If you’re worried about the flammability of the alcohol, hydrogen peroxide provides another good cleaning agent that will leave the glass with a nice finish, though you’ll have to provide your own cloth rather than using the disposable ones that you can get as alcohol wipes.
Holo Electron Violet Wands
Holo-there! Or should I say Holo-Electron 😉
White Glass Violet Wand Electrodes
Sometimes you get electrodes that are just that little bit different and special. This is such a case.
White glass electrodes are very unusual and rarely seen. There’s not much difference in terms of feel, but in terms of appearance they’ve got a rather unique aesthetic quality.
What do you think? Do you prefer more traditional electrodes or are do these more unusual ones tickle your fancy as well?
Budget Violet Wand
I’ve ordered a “Violet Wand” from ebay (one of the pimple busting beauty units) for $22. I use the term loosely here as I’ve heard pretty bad things about these ones!
I figured it was worth it for a quick gamble and to find out exactly how the units compare to a more traditional vintage Violet Wand.
Aesthetically, there’s already a lot to be desired but we’ll see how it turns out when it gets here in terms of feel.
I’ll report back when it arrives. Anyone got any experiences using similar units?
Inside a Violet Wand (Helio-Lux c.1930)
As promised, pictures!
This is quite an attractive unit on the inside, I’ve never seen one where it’s all molded construction like this.
Needless to say, I’m impressed. Here’s hoping I can get it working! 😀
Custom Case for a Violet Wand v1
This is the first version of my attempts at case-lining; I’m using a modern aluminium flight case here and some printed ribbon to achieve a similar effect to vintage cases.
The next stage will be figuring out how to mount my own electrode clips to the backing board for this.
Anyone got any advice on what clips will work?
I’m looking at either sourcing some original style clips, or using fuse clips, or modern “terry” clips that are used in toolboxes and the like.
Stop Press
Nothing exciting happens 😦
Can a Violet Wand blow up an LED?
Can a Violet Wand blow up an LED? This question has been firmly rooted in my brain since the stupid idea occured to me.
Today, we find out.
Stay tuned.
Pansanitor 