>mechanical interruptors to do the job

There is a wide choice of thyratrons, RF transmitter triodes, gated spark
gaps (elecrically or optically gated gas filled gaps) and mechanical
switches to 'do the job'. You can even use a magnetron and some strange
microwave impedance transformers to obtain very high voltages at RF. All
these have on thing in common afaik: no semiconductors inside ;)

The amateur's favorite afaik is a motor driven small steel gear wheel
(12-15 cm diamater and 20-30 teeth) acting as a high frequency interrupter
against a massive steel plate (which lies above it). This will arc like
mad but sustains 10-20A at 220V without serious damage for a reasonably
long time. ;)

Now, how does one make such a thing pass a FCC test.

Peter

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