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Re: Get it over with

In a message dated 97-02-01 03:01:42 EST, you write:

<< Subscriber: Kilroy-at-bscn-dot-com Fri Jan 31 22:57:11 1997
> Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 03:57:43 -0600
> From: Kerry Ludwig <Kilroy-at-bscn-dot-com>
> To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject: Get it over with
 
> I have several questions that I have been meaning to ask.  I thought that I
> might as well get them all over with at once, so here goes.
 
> 1.  I have noticed references to some coil forms creating more losses due
to
>the proximity to the wire.  How much of a loss could one expect using 1/2"
> wall pvc vs. thin-wall pvc?  Thin-wall pvc vs. air-wound on skeleton frame?
> ETC......
 
Kerry, I think there are two "kinds" of losses in Tesla coils; the ones that
make an important difference, and the ones that make only a theoretical
difference.  I don't think the form material makes too much difference in
most cases, although I would avoid the lossier materials such as cardboard
and phenolics.  Yet, I have seen cardboard form coils that give impressive
performance.  Still, little losses, here and there can add up to big total
losses.  In the case you mentioned, I doubt that any difference in spark
length would be seen.


> 2.  Can spark-gaps be used to protect a cap. in the same way that they are
> used to protect a transformer?  Maybe use small spheres rather than points?
 
Yes and yes.

> 3.  I would like to use my 12kv/63ma neon trans. and build a filtered d.c.
> supply to run my coil off of.  Can anyone tell me how to figure the
inductor
> (in series with trans) and cap (in parallel with trans) values for this
>circuit?  (I hope to someday also build a larger scale coil of similar
>design, so the actual formula's would be useful.)
 
One of the interesting problems that is encountered in the above situation,
is that the neon will "shut down" when it sees the large filter cap as a
load.  I suppose theorically, the input inductor you mention could prevent
this from happening, but in a quick test I tried, the neon shut down anyway.
 I didn't calculate, just threw in a few different values.  Perhaps others
have had success?

> 4.  Where can I find variacs in the 5-10kw range?  What kind of prices
shoud
> I expect?
 
These can be found at hamfests, $35 dollars is a "steal", $80 is more likely.
 If you buy from surplus houses, you may pay $150 to $200. 

John Freau
 
 5.  Is information about Golka's experiments with his "HUGE" coil available
 anywhere?  I am interested in any specs of the coil and results that he
 attained.  I would also like to find video of his coil in action, if anybody
 knows of any.
 
 
 Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.
 
 Kerry "Kilroy" Ludwig
 Kilroy-at-BSCN.COM
  >>