I use the old style star wheel for embedding and find it does a very good job for me.
Tried the electric transformer and embedding tool from Kelley's but to me is slow and can sometimes melt the foundation in half if not careful. Does a better job if you use the wire crimper to tighten the wires first. It will not only tighten the wire but also not make the wire a "hot knife" so to speak.
the transformer sold by Kelley's is a Stancor P-8130 style A
The embedding tool can be made if you are handy on the table saw.
As for the wire in the cells, you might find that the queen will not lay eggs in that row of cells until the bottom of them get waxed enough to cover the wire.
might try a door bell transformer.