Ford model T ignition coil - "Buzz" or "Trembler" coil demonstration!

This is a quick video showing how cool these early model T coils are, and I show how to wire them up for use and give a demonstration of mine operating. One thing I failed to address in the video was that when you first get one of these coils, it is usually required to disassemble and clean the points before they will operate. If you wish to see a video on how to do that, let me know in the comments here! My coil did not work when I got it, all I had to do was disassemble the points (vibrator), clean them, and adjust them a bit to get that nice buzz sound you are looking for. Thanks for watching!

[@ericjohnson4303]

When I was a baby, the apartment neighbors sometimes disturbed my sleep by playing their radio too loudly. My father used a Model T spark coil to produce so much reception static that they soon turned off their radio.

[@docbrownsradiolab1220]

Classic! Spark gap transmitter. :P

[@MrShadowpanther3]

I inherited one of these from my father. I always wondered why he had it until I read about spark gap transmitters. He was a radioman in the Army and ended up an electrical engineer working for Bell Telephone for over 41 years.
I have grabbed the wrong end of this thing and know first hand it packs a punch.
Mine is the old original wood case with Ford imprinted on it.

[@docbrownsradiolab1220]

Very cool. I also have some Bell telephone equipment. A couple of phones, a Bell branded multimeter, etc. Mine was an aftermarket as it's not a Ford coil.

[@ianbutler1983]

Very interesting. Open air spark gap jump is 3,000volts per millimeter, so you can approximate the voltage by separating the electrodes until the spark stops and measuring the gap.

[@enigma7070]

If you move a neon bulb near the secondary, it will glow.

[@tectalabyss]

Thank you for sharing this piece of American History. My Dad owned a couple in his younger years.
All my best.
Bobby.

[@docbrownsradiolab1220]

Very cool Bobby, glad you liked it. Sorry on my part for replying 5 years late! I sometimes never see these comments.

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

Thanks for the video demonstration, I have about four of these old Girls and they still spark very well.
☺

[@docbrownsradiolab1220]

You're welcome. I need to do an update video on this coil! This video has so many more views than my other videos.

[@pafoofnic]

Used one of these as a wide band code transmitter as a kid.

[@lazyrrr2411]

Future Mad Scientist !
Where's the Jacobs Ladder & the Van der Graf Ball ?
Those Model-T coils are a lost secret from the past ⚡ then , maybe not

[@chrisc1553]

i have two ford coils that are simalar i got at a surplus sale thanks for posting this video
chris

[@twistedyogert]

I just realized you almost set your desk on fire. You could've had some "external combustion". 😜

[@peterhoward492]

I really like to see the timing method used pls.
Thnx 4 posting!

[@patrickgrady8866]

Would you be so kind as to explain why the contact points open and close so rapidly? Is there spring tension on the contacts? Is it a magnetic field that closes the contacts, and the spring tension opens the contacts momentarily? I understand the concept of transformers, and I understand how standard DC ignition works both points and electronic ignition. But, l can't visualize how this system works with the rapid pulsation of the contacts. I would guess there is a primary winding that collapses when the contacts open onto a secondary high voltage winding. But, what is the mechanism that opens and closes the contacts? Thank you!!

[@vancityaquatics]

Your awesome, keep it up

[@alexandrasartinsanity]

Did you end up making a video on how to clean one?

[@tonymartin4255]

proper ignition no mucking around

[@stephenheatherly6254]

Great video l, but that's actually not a model t coil. More than likely it was originally used on a stationary hit and miss engine. Model T's have a four cylinder engine and four separate coils mounted in a box whereas your coil was intended to be mounted on an engine cart.

[@scottvincent7666]

How long will that coil last at 12 volts?

[@brandonscherff9344]

Not a model t ford coil, they were smaller and had flat contacts on the side. This is either an accessory ‘master vibrator’ coil or off something like a stationary engine.

[@nadinebruyninckx6948]

Was this filmed with a 1915 potato?

[@docbrownsradiolab1220]

Yes it was. Fortunately, I got a better camera that I'm going to be uploading with now.