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New Builder

 * Carbons Sent to: usa-tesla-at-usa-dot-net

Quoting Ryan M Ruel <rmr-at-kepler.unh.edu>:

> I have read all of the information in the FTP.FUNET.FI archive,
> and the stuff on Bill Beaty's Hompages.  So, I have built 
> myself a coil. I started out with an experimental system, 
> consisting of the following:  A  two inch pvc pipe, about ten 
> inches long.  I did not seal it.  I didn't  even count the 
> number of turns on the secondary!  Anyway, I wrapped the whole
> thing in tape, and wrapped a simple primary using some scrap  
> speaker wire I had hanging around.  For a supply, I used an old
> electric  fence transformer.  It already had a 3 KV capacitor 
> connected to it.  I  used an old spark plug as the spark gap. 
> I was surprised when this poor  setup actually worked!  I have
> gotten HUGE 1" sparks from it (yes, I'm  being sarcastic). 

This sounds like a wonderful setup (no I am not being sarcastic)
this is really exemplary for a beginners first coil project:
cheap, educational, simple, functional, and FUN!

> Anyway, I have since constructed a larger coil. My new coil 
> features the following:  The secondary is wound on a 6
> inch  PVC pipe.  The pipe was first coated with many coats of 
> urethane. I  wound it with 22 AWG magnet wire for a total 
> winding length of 24 inches,  with 880 turns.  I then sealed it
> again to embed and protects the  windings.  The ends are capped
> with plexiglass, and I put on a metal  plate grounding 
> terminal.  The design follow Richard Quick's instructions. 

I am flattered, and you should be pleased.

> My primary consists of 1/4 inch copper tubing, 14 turns, about
> 1/2 to 3/4  inch spacing between turns.  The tubing is wrapped
> in a helical design,  the sides at a 25 degree banking.  The 
> tubing is resting of plexiglass  for insulation.

> My question now arise.  I don't know where to go from here.  I
> need to construct sparkgaps, but I don't want to do this until
> I know my input voltage.  Capacitors are also a problem.  Does
> anyone have any suggestions or comments on my design? 

For the spark gaps I would go back to the FTP site and get my
sparkgap file. Build the cylinder gap. This gap may be tapped at
various points to function well over a wide range voltages. It is
simmple, cheap, easy to make, and works well.

As far as capacitors, I like the Richard Hull's rolled cap
design. Homemade flat plate caps also work well. Scott Myers'
recent deal for the .025 MFD 20kvac pulse caps -at- $198.80 would
work flawlessly on your coil.

Richard Quick


... If all else fails... Throw another megavolt across it!
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12