Re: Static Spark Gap question

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net> 

I have the physical room for 16 pipes so will put them in, but that doesn't
mean I have to use them.  I will experiment with the number of segments
starting from low and go higher.  I just need to know what spacing I need to
base the string on before I glue the
segments down.  Right now, I'm leaning toward a 25 mil gap for a maximum
total gap of 345 mils.  This will give me a little more range to compensate
for altitude.  I will
try to measure the BPS, primary voltage, quench time, and try to note
qualitatively the spark output.

In my mind, it is still not clear whether to use LTR cap (2*Cres) or go STR.
Richie Burnett seems to prefer the Cres or STR.  I will do these
measurements with a variety of Cp values.  In any case, I will not allow the
NST to be overvolted by resonate rise.  I will publish the results when
finished.

I have the PVC pipe but the first SG will be flat with the fans blowing down
directly on the spark gaps.  My thinking here is to get the ionized stuff
out of the gap as quickly as possible (sorta the inverse of the vacuum gap)
maybe at some expense of cooling although some air flow will be directed
thru the pipe centers as well.  With the TCBOR configuration, I was thinking
that the air flow has to travel the full length of the pipe before the
ionized stuff is expelled.  I'll probably do both before I get to a SRSG.
There will be two safety SGs, one from each side of the main gap to ground
and these will be set to fire if anything gets higher than NST rating.  The
Terry filter is already in place.  I will count on the SSG and the filter
for NST protection and not count on the main gap for protection.

 > You could build a 12 segment gap and then do some testing at 3,4,5, etc
 > segments until you get the best performance.  Put them all the long way
 > inside a 5" ID PVC tube and affix a 100 CFM fan to one end.
 >
 > I would still keep total gap under 0.300 absolute max to keep from blowing
 > your NST.  0.250 inch seems to work well as total gap setting for NST'.
Use
 > a good Terry filter as well.
 >
 > Experiment and let us all know what works the best at your elevation.
 >
 > Dr. Resonance