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Re: HV transformers and spark gaps

At 11:00 AM 1/11/96 +0700, you wrote:
>>From SROYS-at-radiology.ab.umd.edu Thu Jan 11 10:42 MST 1996
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>To: tesla-at-grendel.objinc-dot-com
>From: "SROYS"  <SROYS-at-radiology.ab.umd.edu>
>Date:         Thu, 11 Jan 1996 12:12:16 EDT
>Subject:      Re: HV transformers and spark gaps
>
>> 
>I should have such problems!  If you are just starting up with Tesla 
>coils, you would probably be better off (and live longer) by building a 
>couple of smaller coils using neon sign transformers before jumping 
>into the real multi-kVA barn-burners.  WIth neons, everything is a lot 
>simpler and you can "cut your teeth" on the problems you WILL 
>encounter with a system that is not a certain fiery death if things get out 
>of control and are not handled properly.  Realize that even a "small" 
>coil running with neon sign transformers is capable of producing at 
>least 2'-3' discharges and is probably generating peak instantaneous 
>powers in the multi-hundred kVA or higher range, and as dpierson so 
>graphically described it, you can think of every 745 VA as one large 
>Clydesdale horse frolicking around in your lab.  Then stop and think 
>about how large a herd you want to let loose in your garage (or 
>basement, or where ever)!  Smaller coils will also get you familiar with 
>the wiring, operation, tuning, tweaking, and all the other aspects of 
>coiling that no amount of reading can prepare you for.
>
>Given that disclaimer, if you're really set on producing white-hot, 
>flaming 8' arcs the first time around, then the pole pigs would probably 
>be your best bet.  They probably have a high enough voltage so you 
>wouldn't have to wire them in series, and even if you do, you can run 
>two in series and ground the center connection for a HV power supply 
>that would run anything that you would probably ever make without 
>your own substation.  Just remember that those transformers aren't 
>current limited and will easily dim the neighborhood lights given half a 
>chance.
>
>Richard Hull of the Tesla Coil Builders of Richmond wrote an excellent  
>two-part article in the TCBA newsletter a few years back on transformer 
>selection, and I will post the vol/issue information when I get home and 
>get a chance to look through my copies if no one beats me to the punch.
>
>
>Steven Roys (sroys-at-radiology.ab.umd.edu)
>
>Thanks for the reply Steven.
        I'm new to coiling but not new to high voltage. I've been a
Broadcast engineer for almost 30 years. Admittedly, the currents are lower
in most transmitters. 15 kv and 2 to 7 amps. Maybe I will take your advice
and start with a couple of neon sign transformers.
Jim Leonard
>
>