@NickZ . what do you mean by a normal pyramid .I suppose you mean the Great pyramid in Egypt [cheops] .I would say that it is a  case of horses for courses , and having tried the classic design , TT has found by experiment what works best .

  Yes, that is what Thomas used but there is a reason why the replications of the original great pyramid are at 51 degrees, it is not by chance.  I don't know if Thomas has even tried it, as it looks like what he is using now is the same or similar to the pyramid he used years before.
My 6 foot pyramid is already at 51 degrees. So, if this pyramid output test works for some of you, I would then try it on my pyramid, even without any other changes to its shape.  It's a matter of perfecting the "reactor" to work with each particular set-up. It's not one size fits all.
I would be interested to know if the sides are absolutely needed, also. Maybe Thomas had tried it without the side panels on, also, and can tell what the difference was.

...... In the Video's that Thomas put out, he used BRASS END CAPS for the reactor.  I believe this is important.  I don't know why (of course I have a theory but it is just that) ....

...I made a quick test with a fully copper Reactor ... same result as madsatbg...
(The fan turnes max a second,nothing else...)
So it´s important to get the brass distancer..

@k4zep
now, that Thomas confirmed that brass spacers between the two copper tubes are a critical factor without which the reactor will not produce current, please tell us your theory about why this may be so.
Thanks.

edit: it is probably very difficult to convey such a theory in a way that will be understandable. It will probably be much work and difficult to do.
However, if you think, that the different material (brass) between the two copper tubes/electrodes does impede/delay the signals which come from either tube (emanating from the oscillating potential of the sand) and that such an impedance/delay results in a phase shift between these signals ...
... then we are thinking in the same direction ...

@K4ZEP. Hi Ben . One thing that is holding back the development of this technology , is the limited time that TT has to answer builders questions . This is understandable no doubt , as the man has a business to run , and his own life to lead . It would seem that one of his problems is finding time to read through the main thread seeking out the questions that need answers . I have a proposal to put to you . I know you have to have a life as well , and if you decline , then that is understandable , and we shall not think any less of you .
 What I am suggesting is , that as our "elected representative" ,  We put all of our questions directly to you . Then when you get to talk to TT , you have a list of say 10 questions to ask . If possible , all questions should be answerable by , Yes , No , or I dont know . Yes I know it is a lot to ask , but how do you feel about it ?

Hi Neptune,

Make up a list of 10 questions.  IF I know the answer, shoot, if I don't, I'll ask Thomas.  Yes he is a busy man.  I'm retired, except for
"Honeydoooos", I'm pretty free most of the time. 

Respectfully,
Ben K4ZEP

  One of the questions is: are the sides absolutely necessary, as his pyramid has no bottom as well as only three sides.  This is important for me to know, because if the sides are really necessary I will probably not be replicating the "reactor."
   Once anyone replicates this project to the same output as his, or better,  then we won't need to bother Thomas, with "thoughsands of questions". And then maybe he will be the one asking questions.
   I hope that he has the time to read this.

Answer to question #1.  Are the sides absolutely necessary.  Yes Absolutely!  It will work better with all 4 sides but as this is just a test vehicle, he uses the three sides so he can work on the interior.  Interesting to note, the output is better if it is in a clear area and after it is running, step back a few steps.  Output will improve.

Respectfully,
Ben K4ZEP

OK Ben and thanks for that .I suggest that questions should be posted here and not on the main forum .My questions ;
1 In the original design the brass end plugs are hollow .If we make our own plugs , can the end that fits inside the tube be flat?
2 When we align the pyramid to the North , is it magnetic North or true North .
3 Question from NickZ , are the pyramid sides [gypsum plates ] essential
 Could the next person with a question number it "4" and so on , so Ben can easily see what questions to ask .

Hi Neptune,

1.  I Assume that the plug can be hollow or filled, what Thomas appears to be looking for is the interface between the copper and the brass contact surface area between the plug and the tubes, Why I DO NOT KNOW.

2.  Start at Magnetic N, then rotate CW 2-4 degrees East for a negative declination angle which is probably true North in TT's location. When looking into the pyramid, the back of the pyramid is perpenducular to N.  Think of the Cap. as a gun and you are pointing it at N.  It might vary from location to location, in fact, I'm sure it will.  If it didn't, magnetic north would always be right and it isn't.  Somewhere in there it should run.  I don't know if magnetic North or true North is where you end up or not.  This is something that Thomas would need to elaborate on as I have no experience there yet.

3.  Question as to if "Gypsum is essential for the plates"?. Yes it is absolutely essential in this version of the device.

Here in the USA, Home Depot has some nice 1/4" gypsum board that is relative light and easy to work with.  That
is what I am going to use.  Another observation I do not know the answer to is:  Is the metal frame mandatory?
I don't know for sure except the pyramid in a working condition appears to build up a  large HV electrostatic charge that will
give you a healthy shock.   The frame when grounded bleeds this off and prevents shock.  The ground connection can be removed while in operation after you have everything working and need to step back!

Respectfully
Ben K4ZEP

  Thank you for the information about the sheet rock sides. If you all want to replicate as close as possible, I would use the thicker sides that are shown in the video. As it seam that if you even breath on it, it may not work.  This has made the difference for me, and I will not be replicating this effort.  Thank you for your confirmation.

Hi Nick,

Sorry to loose you.  Thomas said thickness is not important, only the material.  At only 1 meter/side, 1/4" will be fine.  Stay around and any good input you can give would be great.  As usual, I made my first "bull" or mistake on finding the center of a pyramid, no problem, wont be my first or my last mistake as long as we all keep it straight togather.

Respectfully
Ben K4ZEP

@K4ZEP. Ben , many thanks for answering our questions .One thing I love about this thread is that we are polite to each other . Long may it continue , and it gives the right atmosphere for us to work together .
    @NickZ . If you have been involved with pyramids for 35 years , I guess you will stick around . Not everyone , has access to unlimited space . I hope it will not be too long before we get a scaling formula . A half metre pyramid would be a lot handier to experiment with for people living in flats /apartments .In theory that would output 2 to 4 watts .
     I am in touch with Erdtaucher in Germany . He is looking to source the end caps TT used .In the meantime I am looking for a common brass item that can be modified in my friends lathe .
    Thomas`s giant reactor looks interesting .With the size of that thing he will probably try to smuggle it into the King`s Chamber in the Great pyramid of Cheops . Seriously , though , the results from his Fat Boy pyramid may lead to him releasing his scaling formula . I think that once we get a working replication , research on this will really take off . There are so many directions to explore . One thing I thought of . Plasterboard will not stand rain without crumbling . So for long term outdoor work , a shed , or at a minimum a tent will be needed.