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New Builder



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).  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 Quicks instructions.

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 tubind 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?  Thanx for any advice you can give!

-Ryan