Anyone know anything about electricity?

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1092_57_2.html

Im trying to make one of these for a science project and I assembled it correctly and everything but I used an old Samsung Syncmaster 753v monitor as a power source instead.

However when I turned it on, I heard some quiet hissing (no lift off) then nothing. Second time I heard a lot of loud cracking then nothing. Third time I heard the same amount of hissing as the first time. I cannot figure out what to do with this.

The top, thin copper wire is connected to the HV connector underneat the suction cup at the back of the monitor. The black insulated wire, which is attached to the foil below, is attached to the ground straps.

Help? Time is kinda of the essence here.

I know basic stuff about electricity... but I probably wont be able to help so I'm not going to take the time to read the web page you gave me. Sorry, bro.

Electricity? What's that?

Don't quote me on this, but I think you might need a lower gauge of wire. Point five mike-mike for a high-voltage power supply? Just saying...

Don't you know anything? You tie buttered toast to a kitten's back, butter side up per Murphy's Law, and you've achieved antigravity.

Rasq'uire'laskar wrote:Don't quote me on this, but I think you might need a lower gauge of wire. Point five mike-mike for a high-voltage power supply? Just saying...

^Pretty sure Rasq is right.

For the copper wire running above the triangle?