rotary spark gap design for NST, PT, and PP powered systems

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "D.C. Cox" <resonance@xxxxxxxxxx>


I've written up some design notes on rotary spark gap design for 
NSTs, PTs, and PP (pole pig) powered Tesla coil systems.

We have been running NSTs of 60 mA, 90 mA, and 120 mA successfully by 
keeping the break rates down to around 275 pps and using a good Terry 
filter.  For almost one year now in some museum applications 
operating several times daily, 7 days per week, with no NST 
failures.  The nice break rate also produces nice spark output due to 
increased plasma pumping and general near-terminal ion cloud 
pumping.  We use 1725 rpm 1/4 hp motors with 6 electrode rotors for 
NST applications.

If you contact me off-list I will email you the paper and also our 
part numbers if you need to order pre-cut electrodes to fit your 
rotors.  Rotor design & specification plus motor specification is 
also part of this paper.  Stationary electrodes and solid machined 
brass stationary electrode holders are also featured.

Dr. Resonance