Historically, physicians in Europe used Lakhovsky Multi-Wave Oscillator devices for electrotherapy from the 1930s until the late 1980s. Today, advances in research on the bioactive effects of pulsed electric fields and radio-frequency signals have renewed interest in these historical devices.
The literature has mentioned Lakhovsky Multi-Wave Oscillator devices for decades. However, the technical details and specifications have mainly remained unknown and speculative. Many notable attempts have tried to deduce the design of George Lakhovsky’s Multi-Wave Oscillator based only on general descriptions. However, these were only educated guesses and, in many cases, significantly deviated from the original design. As a result, these devices do not reproduce the original Lakhovsky MWO output signal.
The BV2 model replica
The heavy-duty replica we produce is, in every significant aspect, virtually identical to the original BV2 model Multi-Wave Oscillator produced by Lakhovsky’s former company, Laboratoires C.O.L.Y.S.A., between 1933 and 1940, including frequency content, output power, signal envelope, phase reversal, concentric antenna, etc. Technical specifications that we use as a guide are based on detailed information in the comprehensive reverse-engineering report on the original and still functional BV2 model Lakhovsky Multiple Wave Oscillators that were discovered in Italy in 2009, which was published by Bruno Sacco and Tony Kerselaers, in the e-book “The Lakhovsky Multiple Wave Oscillator Secrets Revealed“.
Have you compared the standard and heavy-duty versions of the Lakhovsky Multiwave Oscillator replicas that we make to order? Our replicas are intended exclusively for exhibition, educational and research purposes. They are not medical devices.
The Heavy-Duty version features
1. Operational requirements compliant with historical specifications (i.e. transmitter/reCEIVER frequencies, their relationships and output levels)
1.1. High voltage resonator coils
To ensure the produced signal complies with the signal generated by the original Lakhovsky MWO devices, we make acrylic coil formers that hold the primary and secondary windings of the high-voltage Oudin resonator. By machining grooves into the former’s surface, we ensure precise, compact windings. After we make the resonator coils, we tune them to meet historical specifications.
2. Resonator antennas compliant with the original BV2 model antennas
We produce the split-ring resonator antennas according to the original BV2 model specifications. To maintain authenticity, we fasten them with silk twisted ribbons into cords, as in the original. Although the fabric may be susceptible to charring when exposed to effluvia, tests showed it could withstand extreme conditions when exposed directly to stable RF discharges (something never encountered in the device’s regular operation).
3. Reliable operation with MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) exceeding 25000 hours
To ensure reliable operation of the device during prolonged periods, we carefully choose the components:
3.1. Capacitors
Capacitors are the components that suffer the most stress because they must provide powerful, fast discharges to the primary coil. Although we could have used smaller, pulse-rated Strontium-Titanate capacitors, in our experience these components tend to gradually heat up during prolonged operation, with consequent performance loss and increased dielectric decay.
Instead, we opted for the so-called Multi-Mini Capacitor (MMC) design, i.e., many smaller capacitors connected in an arrangement that divides voltage stress and heat losses among individual components. We use high-pulse-rated film capacitors and additional high-quality bleed resistors with an appropriate voltage rating of 10 kV per device to ensure fast capacitor discharge when the replica is turned off.
We use 48 individual high-pulse film capacitors per MMC. In total, we use 96 capacitors in the entire Multi-Wave Oscillator primary tank circuit, with a net voltage rating of ~26,000 V. Hence, the nominal voltage rating is about 400% higher than the maximum output voltage rating of the high-voltage transformer used to charge the capacitors. This provides a considerable margin for capacitor reliability and component longevity. The capacitors are connected with solid copper bus bars, both mechanically and by soldering. The symmetrical arrangement of the capacitor strings ensures that all branches get equally stressed during a discharge cycle. MMC is placed in the ABS enclosure and vacuum-potted with a high-voltage-rated epoxy compound.
3.2. High-voltage radio-frequency chokes
We use high-voltage radio-frequency chokes to suppress transients that may damage the windings of the charging high-voltage transformer. Although we tested the secondary windings of our custom-made high-voltage transformer up to 25 kV DC, we decided to further reduce the risk of damage. HV RF chokes are made to the technical specifications of the original Multi-Wave Oscillator BV2 model, and they proved quite efficient at suppressing transients.
3.3. V-TYPE Spark gap
To improve the smoothness of movement of the historical Lakhovsky V-Type spark gap, we modified the adjustment mechanism. We also modified the electrode holders so that one can now replace the electrodes without disassembling the spark gap. We modified the tungsten electrode diameter to 3.2 mm so standard, readily available welding electrodes can be used. Electrodes are the only spare parts in the entire system.
3.4. Forced cooling and ozone venting
The electrodes and their holders must be cooled to operate for prolonged periods. We use forced air cooling using a large industrial axial fan with an airflow throughput of ~320 m3/h, which proved crucial during extended periods of operation to keep the temperature between 50-55 °C and vent out the excess ozone from the MWO enclosure.
3.5. Protective spark gap
The protective spark gap is another component that protects the high-voltage transformer’s secondary winding by discharging transient peaks to ground. We designed an easily adjustable spark gap with three spherical electrodes, one of which is grounded. It proved quite efficient, and in regular operation, it doesn’t heat up significantly.
3.6. Component testing
Component testing is crucial to manufacturing any functional replica. All components must withstand the extreme operating conditions encountered in regular use to ensure the device serves reliably for many years. Based on practical experience, we usually use and produce components that can withstand even the most extreme conditions not typically encountered in regular operation.
For the heavy-duty replica model, the main concerns are the voltage and current ratings of critical components and their heating during prolonged operation (high-voltage capacitors, primary tank wires, spark gaps, high-voltage transformers, and high-voltage resonators).
Once we assemble, tune, and test all components, we run the replica under standard working conditions until the entire device operates stably. There are no insulation breakdowns or overheating of the parts. Then we push the input/output power to approximately 300% of the maximum continuous power during normal operation. All components are tested under severe stress for over 15 minutes. This means that under normal conditions, even for prolonged periods, the expected service life of all components should exceed 25,000 hours of operation.
4. Device operation on either 230 V / 50 Hz or 120 V / 60 Hz electric utility systems
4.1. High-voltage transformer
The high-voltage transformer increases the mains voltage from 230 V (or 120 V) to the higher voltage needed to charge the primary tank capacitors. An electronic power supply would not be the right solution because its components age, shortening the device’s service life, which can easily be measured in decades.
We added extra functionality to the original design to improve adjustment precision. In the historical Multi-Wave Oscillator, the HV transformer had one fixed output voltage. We made the transformer more versatile while retaining the same specifications as the original device. To do that, we use a custom-made HV transformer with a selectable output voltage.
5. Sturdy and durable enclosure with a modernised design
Full-sized chassis
- Sturdy enough to survive many years of service
- Fully grounded to ensure a high level of safety
- Enough net surface of ventilation openings
- Modernised design
- High-quality finish
We use galvanised steel combined with aluminium to achieve as homogeneous a grounding of the enclosure as possible and to modernise the design. 2 mm thick steel plates make the chassis very sturdy. All enclosure elements are entirely plasticised with a textured finish to protect steel parts from corrosion and enhance their appearance.
Control panels are made from thick brushed aluminium plates, anodised to improve resistance to oxidation and corrosion from moisture and sweat. The control panel markings are CNC-engraved and filled with paint to ensure longevity and prevent fading.
6. Increased safety levels compared to the historical MWO grounding
6.1. Grounding
All elements of the enclosure are later connected by thick grounding wires to create a homogeneous electrical surface, which makes a better Faraday cage (less EMI/RFI interference) and virtually eliminates electrical shock hazards for the user. Although all internal components are non-flammable, the steel enclosure also greatly reduces the risk of an accidental fire spreading to the surrounding area.
The chassis has a service door with a key lock to ensure easy access to the internal components. An additional micro-switch prevents the device from powering on accidentally when the access door is opened. We added a small observation window so users can observe the spark gap’s operation. The window consists of glass layers and ultraviolet light filters to prevent potential eye damage.
Earthing (grounding) quality plays a significant role in the Multi-Wave Oscillator because the physical earth (ground) closes the electric circuit. It directly affects the Multi-Wave Oscillator’s efficiency. Georges Lakhovsky himself, in his writings and notes, strongly emphasised grounding quality. Later measurements performed by Tony Kerselaers and Bruno Sacco on the original devices confirmed it.
These oscilloscope screenshots, taken with the analyser tool described in the reverse-engineering report, show the Lakhovsky Multi-Wave Oscillator’s behaviour when grounded to typical electrical mains power versus dedicated RF (radio-frequency) grounding.
OPTIMAL GROUNDING
NON-OPTIMAL GROUNDING
an additional dedicated RF grounding
electrical mains outlet grounding only
Differential mode
Differential mode
Common mode
Common mode
The signal envelope is much more pronounced with dedicated RF grounding, in accordance with the measured envelope of the original devices. So, the better the grounding quality, the higher the device’s efficiency.
6.2. Cabling
The cables must be ozone-resistant and provide an extra layer of safety. For internal cabling, we use double-insulated silicone cables for electrical mains and HV transformer output sections to protect them from ozone-induced decay.
External high-voltage cabling is functionally part of the primary tank circuit, which means that if the cable insulation fails, the risk of accidental electrical shock increases. This can be very dangerous because high-voltage capacitors store a significant amount of energy.
Therefore, we use heavy-duty coaxial cable with its electrical shielding connected to the electrical ground. This ensures that in case of insulation failure, electrical current goes directly to ground, thus providing a high level of safety for the operator.
We use custom-made high-voltage connectors with thick PTFE (Teflon) insulation to match the coaxial cable and provide a continuous shielded high-voltage line from the Multi-Wave Oscillator base unit to the transmitter section.
7. Minimised EMI/RFI interference introduced into electrical mains
EMI/RFI suppression is another consideration. Virtually all high-voltage resonant transformers produce sharp voltage transients, which may be injected back into the electrical mains installation. This means that interference may adversely affect other devices connected to the electrical wiring. To suppress sharp transients, we use a high-quality, medical-grade filter that has proven quite effective.
The spark gap produces additional radio-frequency interference. The most suitable way to shield the environment from RF interference is to use an entirely grounded metallic enclosure. We use 2 mm thick galvanised steel plates, all of which are additionally electrically connected by thick silicone-insulated cables. Most of the RF interference produced by the spark gap is thus removed due to the enclosure behaving as a Faraday cage.
8. Multi-Wave Oscillator hand-held implements
Hand-held implements were regularly used with the original Multi-Wave Oscillators to focus high-frequency displacement currents on specific treatment areas. The historical notes describe them as an essential part of the procedures used by George Lakhovsky and Dr Boris Vassileff.
We make replicas of the original hand-held implements that comply with the historical specifications described in the reverse engineering report. The only change is the use of polymer (plastic) grips instead of the original wooden ones. This modification doesn’t affect the device’s function, but it is superior in many respects, primarily in lower weight, moisture resistance, and durability.
The heavy-duty replica is virtually identical to the original Multi-Wave Oscillator Model BV2 in every significant way, operating on either 230 V/50 Hz or 120 V/60 Hz electrical utility systems and strictly within the historical specifications. Tested under extreme conditions, the heavy-duty replica has an MTBF of more than 10,000 hours. The modern-looking, sturdy enclosure and double-insulated silicone cables for the electrical mains and HV transformer output sections ensure higher safety and minimised EMI/RFI interference.
Please note: For a Multi-Wave Oscillator replica to operate safely, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure adequate electrical installations and grounding (earth), observe safety precautions, and comply with EMI/RFI regulations. We do not accept any liability for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur due to improper use of the replica.
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NINE ESSENTIAL FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MULTIPLE WAVE OSCILLATOR REPLICA
Learn how to differentiate a replica of the original Lakhovsky Multiwave Oscillator from non-replica devices offered on the market.
Lakhovsky Multiwave Oscillator video gallery
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