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Re: Strange Black Box...


From: 	Bert Hickman[SMTP:bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com]
Sent: 	Thursday, June 26, 1997 8:54 AM
To: 	Tesla List
Subject: 	Re: Strange Black Box...

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> From:   Brandon Doughan[SMTP:fiveht-at-well-dot-com]
> Sent:   Wednesday, June 25, 1997 6:52 AM
> To:     tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject:        Strange Black Box...
> 
> Hi all-
> 
>         I recently bought a 15KV transformer but am a little confused as
> to how to power it and whether it's ac or dc output.  Let me describe it:
> 
>         It's approx. 2X4X6 inches.  On one side it has three terminals.
> The first is labeled "J1" and is a male socket with three rather thin
> prongs.  Im guessing these are +, -, and ground for a 120VAC input,
> though they do seem kinda small for 120.  This socket has groves such
> that it could only be connected in one orientation to it's mate.
> 
> The second is labeled "J2" and is obviously a HV output; having a thick
> rubber grommet around a thickly insulated wire.  The end has one of those
> suction cup things and I'm guessing it was ment to power a CRT.  CRTs are
> powered by DC, aren't they?  This makes me think it's got a DC output.
> 
> The last terminal is a small metal knob labeled "TP", which I'm quite sure
> is a center tap.  This makes me think the output is AC.
> 
> Also, on another side is the following info:
>         MODEL: 164A
>         SER. NO.: 152
>         VENUS SCIENTIFIC INC.
>         FARMINGDALE, NY
>         HUGHES-FULLERTON
>         PART NO. 718542-2
> 
> So, what do you all think?  If I can get it connected properly, and "J2"
> is 15KV output, what would be the other terminal?  15KV relative to
> ground?  To "TP"?
> 
> As always, thanks for your help!  Brandon

Brandon,

This sounds like a small HV DC Power supply for a CRT system made by
Hughes Aircraft in Fullerton, CA. While good for HV DC experiments, it
would not be robust enough for disruptive discharge Tesla Coiling. Since
the unit may be powered off other than 120 VAC (it could be a DC-DC
convereter for example), I'd recommend calling up either the
manufacturer (Venus), or the OEM customer (Hughes) to see if they'll
provide you with any information or a data sheet on the unit before
potentially smoking it with 120VAC on the inputs...

Safe High Voltin' to you!

-- Bert H --