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Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs



Hi Jim,

I generally turn up my variac on that huge control panel that
the camera focuses in on toward the end of the video to
around 200 to 210 volts and pull between 100 and 120
amps per the panel meters! I am using a large Toshiba
240-100/120/208/220/240 volt isolation transformer with
the 240 volt input tap in series with the x-ray (or pig for the
T-coil) transformer's primary input. This isolation transformer
is rated at a VERY conservative 10 kVA and weighs a robust
232 lbs. I short the 100 volt output tap of it and this allows for
a very robust ballast that will allow up to 150 amps or so with
280 volts. Of course with only #6 input power cables, I can't
run it at this rate indefintely but I have never felt the x-ray trans-
former or the isolation transformer ballast get noticably
warmer than ambient temperature, even after several
minutes of non-stop firing at 20 or so kVA!

David Rieben



----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Mora" <wavetuner@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "'Tesla Coil Mailing List'" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 11:14 PM
Subject: RE: [TCML] Climbing Arcs


Wow David,

That's pretty cool (hot). I have a 150kv GE / 600ma. How much power were you
running? I haven't fired mine up yet. I have a 300amp dialarc sat reactor
Miller (90amps@ 240 max) welder for the power control.

Jim Mora

-----Original Message-----
From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of David Rieben
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:07 PM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs

Hi Bert,

Yes, the transformer itself is all that's driving this JL - no
additional capacitance than the natural parasitic capaci-
tance of the transformer's internal wiring itself. It's not at
all hard to "start" a JL with >100 kV of available firing
voltage ;^) The "starting point" of this JL is about 8 1/8"
apart!

David Rieben

----- Original Message ----- From: "Bert Hickman" <bert.hickman@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:08 AM
Subject: Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs


Hi Tony,

The video that David Rieben discussed in his latest post shows similar
"snappiness" to the arc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dLTEOM3qQc

The higher voltages of X-ray transformers increases the effect of
parasitic capacitance on Jacobs Ladders, making them sound quite nasty
even without any other lumped C across the gap. A small HV cap across the
gap in an NST also helps raise the open circuit voltage, making it easier
to restart the arc at the base of the ladder. It's a bit harder on the NST

however.

Re: coins & Stuff  - they are an oddity for sure. BTW, we'll be appearing
in an upcoming issue of Coin World Magazine, and our Lichtenbergs are now
on the cover of the latest Edmund Scientific catalog.

Do you still making Geissler tube replicas? The one you traded for is
still very beautiful!

Best wishes,

Bert
--
***************************************************
We specialize in UNIQUE items! Coins shrunk by huge
magnetic fields, Lichtenberg Figures (our "Captured
Lightning") and out of print technical Books. Visit
Stoneridge Engineering at http://www.teslamania.com
***************************************************

Sfxneon@xxxxxxx wrote:
Hello Bert,
 Appreciate all the suggestions! I really like the one about using a
small  capacitance across the secondary to add a little SNAP! I'll give
it a try. Do you still have that xenon plasma tube that I traded to you
for the  shrunken coins? I still have the coins and they never fail to
amaze people!
 Thanks,
 Tony

In a message dated 5/27/2008 10:04:02 A.M. Central Daylight  Time,
bert.hickman@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

Hi Tony,

Some suggestions:

1. Use a wide "V" to more rapidly spread the arc. The higher the current

the wider the end gap should  be
2. Use inductive ballasting for best performance
3. Use smooth rails to  avoid incandescent "hot spots" that will cause
the arc roots to temporarily  hang in one spot. I'd recommend using 3/4"
hard copper pipe or non-magnetic  stainless steel tubing. Periodically
remove any oxide buildup. I suspect the oxidation of the galvanizing may

a major part of the problem you're  seeing.
4. Enclose on 4 sides to reduce disruption by air currents. Leave top
AND bottom portion open to permit vertical air flow. Be sure to leave
plenty of clearance on either side of the gap, especially for a higher
current ladder.
5. For grins, try connecting a small (500 - 1000 pF) HV  doorknob cap
across the gap to make for "snappier" performance at start and  at long
arc lengths.

Good luck,

Bert
**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with

Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
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