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Re: "Ballast"
From: Alfred A. Skrocki[SMTP:alfred.skrocki-at-cybernetworking-dot-com]
Sent: Friday, November 07, 1997 1:49 PM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: "Ballast"
On Monday, October 27, 1997 7:20 AM Thornton, Russ #CSR2000
[SMTP:ThorntoR-at-rc.pafb.af.mil] wrote;
> I see the word "ballast" bandied about allot. Are we talking about and
> inductive ballast or a ballast resistor?
> I have not found a catalog with ballast resistors in them unless listed
> by a different name. Could someone explain with a little more detail.
Russ, generaly in terms of Tesla coils 'ballast' can be resistive or
inductive and is used to current limit potential transformers. Inductive
ballast is better from an energy consumption point of view but heavier and
more costly to build. Resistive ballast for medium to large Tesla coils
typicaly takes the form of a large heating element, more wastefull of
energy than inductive ballasts but much lighter weight and certainly
signifigantly cheaper to aquire. Yes I haven't seen 'ballast resistors'
listed in any electronics catalogs since the late 50's, with everything
being solid state now a days there is generaly no need for them any more
outside of restoration of antique equipment and of course Tesla coils.
Sincerely
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Alfred A. Skrocki
Alfred.Skrocki-at-CyberNetworking-dot-com
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