click here to see a closeup of Pumpkenstein

click here for the Pumpkenstein carving pattern (original design)

Pumpkenstein was an electrolytic battery - two different metals in an electrolyte solution. A copper pipe served as one electrode, and a zinc-plated steel pipe as the other. The pumpkin was not very juicy, so tris-borate-EDTA (TBE) was the electrolyte solution. The pipes were inserted into the pumpkin so the tips would touch the TBE. After hooking the electrodes to a voltimeter using alligator clips, a reading of 1.5-2 volts was obtained! As the burning candle warmed the TBE, the voltage reached an impressive 3 volts.