ASSEMBLY
Weigh the beaker or cafetiere and note the weight.
Pour the Distilled Water into the reaction flask or cafetiere up to the top of the anode, making sure that the crocodile clip or suspension wire of the anode is NOT IN THE WATER.
Weigh the water in the reaction vessel and note the weight of water, remembering to deduct the weight of the beaker if you have not set the scales using the TARE function. Note that (uniquely) for water, the weight in the metric system (in kilos) is the same as the volume (in litres). We cannot measure volume very well, but we can measure weight extremely accurately, so measuring water volume by weighing it is by far the easiest way to find the volume.
Put the reaction vessel on the hotplate but don't turn it on yet.
Raise the cathode upwards until only a quarter of an inch of the cathode is in the water.
Add the electrolyte and reducing agent to the distilled water.
(Do not add the gelatine until the end, if you are going to use gelatine as a capping agent).
Plug in (but don't switch on) the Power Supply Unit, and the hotplate.
Connect the red (+) pole of the power supply to the mA terminal of the ammeter.
Connect the COM (ground) of the ammeter to the ANODE (+). If the measurement of current displays as a negative value when the ammeter is turned on, swap the leads over at the ammeter.
Connect the CATHODE (-) to the black (-) pole of the Power Supply Unit.
Carefully note that the black wires connect the negative cathode to the black pole of the PSU, and the red wires go from the red pole of the PSU, through the ammeter, to the anode.
Turn on the hotplate and let it get hot; you do not necessarily have to wait until it has reached the simmer point (at approximately 115-140 degrees F). (To make Ionic Silver Oxide, carry out the same process, but keep the current very low and make the Ionic Silver Oxide at room temperature without any further heat, and in total darkness).
Turn on the ammeter and PSU. Adjust the cathode to obtain a voltage in excess of 10 volts, and using the instructions for the PSU, adjust the current for a suitable value. Too high and the batch will be spoiled, too low and you will die waiting. 3-5 mA is suitable for a small strip anode, 5-15 mA is suitable for a 1 toz silver bar or coin, 20-40 mA is suitable for a large plate anode, and up to 50 mA is suitable for very large electrode arrays. Check that the current climbs to the set-point and that the CC (Constant Current) light is illuminated.
At this point, ensure that you record:
The time (on the clock).
The current (in mA).
The weight of distilled water (in kilos) not including the weight of the reaction vessel or cafetiere.
NOW PERFORM THE CALCULATION as above. Work out the run-time and write it down.
Turn off any fluorescent lights and close the curtains to shut out any sunlight. Ultraviolet light may mess up the reaction. You should be operating the system in dim twilight; the silver anode will keep any vampires away.
Watch and wait, and sit entranced as the water slowly changes from colourless to a beautiful clear yellow and then (if you are making a large batch or high ppm) to the colour of Tennessee Sippin' Whisky (UK users will be watching for the colour of Drambuie or a Single Malt Scotch). You may consume some of this nourishment, if you feel that it will help you pass the time.
Being careful to keep your hands and clothing away from the hotplate, turn off the power to all units (especially do not forget to turn off the ammeter) when the runtime is done.
Allow to cool, filter any particles out and bottle. Store in a cool place. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use clear glass or PET plastic bottles.