Re: More rotary gap questions... (fwd)

To: tesla-at-poodle.pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: More rotary gap questions... (fwd)
From: Tesla List <tesla-at-stic-dot-net>
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 23:07:21 -0500
Approved: tesla-at-stic-dot-net
Subject:  Re: More rotary gap questions... (fwd)
  Date:   Fri, 18 Apr 1997 07:06:58 -0700
  From:   "DR.RESONANCE" <DR.RESONANCE-at-next-wave-dot-net>
    To:   "Tesla List" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>


To: Daryl

One important consideration is that even like good old DC circuits, AC
circuits including RF AC circuits still follow some of the basic rules
for
DC resistance.  Even though most coilers use copper tubing primarys,
good
grade caps, etc. they sometimes forget that the most circuit resistance
is
thru the stainless steel or steel electrodes in their sparkgaps.  If you
budget can afford it, use brass with screw in electrodes --- the result
will be much higher RF currents that won't be limited by the weakest
link
in your series chain --- the RSG materials.  If you are on a budget
steel
is OKI, but try to avoid stainless -- very toxic gases are emitted by
burning stainless steel -- ask any welder who works on stainless steel
tanks and they will describe the special precautions they are required
to
use (OSHA, etc) when welding inside stainless steel pipes or tanks.  

DR.RESONANCE-at-next-wave-dot-net

> > >
> > > I wanted to thank everyone for the info on hot vs. insulated rotors,
> > > and sources for the laminate ;'}
> > >
> > > Now I'm wondering about the rotating electrodes, I've heard mentioned
> > > brass pins, brass screws with stainless acorn nuts, and some sort of
> > > threaded holder with tungsten rods.
> > >
> > > I'm guessing, from what I've heard, that almost anything will work,
> > > as long as your system stays in tune.
> > >
> > > These 'flaming power arcs' that I've heard so much about would
probably
> > > destroy just about anything in short order, correct ?
> > >
> > > I'm thinking about useing the 'brass screw/acorn nut' method, since
it
> > > seems so easy to make/repair/balance...
> > >
> > > Does anything in the collective wisdom suggest a better solution ?
> > >
> > > Thanks again,
> > >
> > > Daryl
> > 
> 
> Daryl:
> 
> > I just received information from Ross Engineering Corp. (408) 377-4621.
> > In addition to making static spark gaps at $450 a pop, they make
> > toroids, spheres and corona nuts for spark gaps. What interested me are
> > the non melting carbon spheres with tapped holes for screws/bolts. The
> > sphere diameters range from 1 cm to 30.5cm. The advantage of carbon is
> > that it does not "pit" or "peak", and handles the heat very well. These
> > were made specifically for spark gaps, lightening arresters, and other
> > high current applications in pulse forming networks.
> > I will be getting a price list - they did quote the 3/4" dia. (1.9cm)
> > spheres threaded for 1/4-20, 1/4-28 or 10-32 are $40 ea.
> > 
> > The corona nuts are made from aluminum and should be way more cost
> > effective.
> > 
> > Phil Jarvis