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Re: Cap problems (fwd)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 22:35:15 -0800
From: Bert Hickman <bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com>
To: Tesla List <mod1-at-pupman-dot-com>
Subject: Re: Cap problems (fwd)

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 20:22:50 -1200
> From: Ken Smith <ksmith-at-ihug.co.nz>
> To: Tesla List <mod1-at-pupman-dot-com>
> Subject: Cap problems
> 
> Hi,
>         Help please :
> 
> I have hit the wall with capacitors.  I have received several designs for
> rolled caps from individuals and gleaned all that I can from the 'net.
> However I am stuffed since I cannot find Al flashing here in NZ at all. They
> just don't use it (as far as I can tell - and I have looked hard - believe me.)
> 
> I have blown several sets of glassware using Leyden Jars (which worked well
> while they lasted, although the spark was very washy and green) and even
> tried beer bottles.  But they didn't last any time at all.
> 
> I am running a 15000V 60ma Neon with a twelve pole speed controlled rotary
> + adjustable static gaps.  I have a lego system now.  My frustration with
> the caps has been vented on the coils (I just love to wind <g>)  I have a
> combination of 6 / 10 / 16 turn 3/8 inch copper primaries and an assortment
> of secondaries all built on idendical formers so they can do a * mix and
> match *.  Results with the *Jars* to date have been noisy and impressive,
> but the glass bill is sending me spare - not to mention the wasted time and
> all that salt water and oil everywhere <g>.
> 
> I have even tried to get a commercial unit from the Roederstien rep here (I
> can hear you gasp).  They won't supply one off.  I have a trip to Honolulu
> on the 12/13 Mar - does anyone know if I can get Aluminium flashing there -
> or better can I also buy a decent commercial 0.0127uf cap there?  Failing
> that - does anyone want to sell a 0.0127 or thereabouts cap.
> 
> If anyone wants to do a trade / deal / w.h.y. get back to me on email.  I
> can take delivery in HNL (which will save DHL costs) and pay in any currency
> you want including an arm and a (opposite) leg <g>
> 
> I realise that most of the good coils out there are using homebrew poly
> caps, but without the materials I cannot get away here.  I will, I am sure
> get some flashing in HNL (I hope), but I would also like to get some
> flashover while I am waiting for the weeks to pass while the bubbles settle <g>.
> 
> I have wire, copper pipe, formers, rotaries, spark gap designs coming out of
> my ears (almost) and a half decent toroid molding (made of newspaper and
> water glue <papier macheé> ) just waiting for a foil outline. But I aint got
> a capacitor worth a damn.  Any ideas would be most welcome....
> 
> Ken
> 
> Ken Smith
> Weymouth
> Auckland
> http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~ksmith
> ksmith-at-ihug.co.nz

Ken,

You might want to look at making a flat plate cap design using heavy
duty aluminum foil instead of flashing. It'll take a bit more work
(cutting out the individual pieces), but at least you can find the
materials. And, you'll also end up with a great low-inductance, high
performancee cap when you get done.

-- Bert H --