I built the desktop Jacob's ladder from the pdf files found on the Thinkbotics website (http://www.thinkbotics.com/products.htm http://www.thinkbotics.com/jacobs-ladder-article.zip). However, I am not getting a Jacob's ladder effect from the device; it is more like a spark gap. I've tried different shapes for the electrodes (wider, narrower, different angles, etc.), but the electricity only likes to hang out at the closest gap in brief arcs. The repetition rate pot does change the frequency of sparks, but the arc does not rise at all. I modified the circuit to run off of a 12-volt wall wart, and measurements with a KVM show that the circuit is getting pretty close to 12 volts. The major problem I am experiencing right now is that after switching the device on, I only get about 3 or 4 arcs before the 556 IC burns out; no matter what the repetition rate or trim pot is at, the IC just fries. I've tested the transistors and diodes as well, and they all seem fine. Any suggestions for troubleshooting? I linked some photos of my circuit as well. (https://www.wandkr.com/special/IMAG0608.jpg https://www.wireandkloudready.com/special/IMAG0609.jpg https://www.wandkr.com/special/IMAG0610.jpg https://www.wandkr.com/special/IMAG0611.jpg )