H2 thyratron update

To: tesla-at-poodle.pupman-dot-com
Subject: H2 thyratron update
From: Tesla List <tesla-at-stic-dot-net>
Date: Wed, 05 Mar 1997 23:56:50 -0600
Approved: tesla-at-stic-dot-net
References: <199703050042.TAA30679-at-mh004.infi-dot-net>

richard hull wrote:
> 
> All,
> As most of you may remember my complete reporting of the week long
> investigation during Christmas of the results of the electrostatic genration
> by Tesla coils, you might also remember the H2 thyratron gap replacement
> system I tested as well.
> 
> I mentioned that I would work on back to back units to mime a truly variable
> dwell gap.  I just obtained the special sockets for the 5C22s and hope to
> get underway soon.  The hassle is that the grids will probably have to be
> left positive for the total conduction period regardless of oscillation
> polarity back from the primary.  This is a classic no-no for these puppies.
> the problem of course is field emmision possibilities from the grid and the
> associated grid current which might be significant. (Good thing I got a
> beefy grid pulse system!) Also, the conducting tube should grab most of the
> real power, as it damned well should.  The only reason it might work is the
> frequency of the system is high- 500khz and the peak power level quite low
> under- 80 KW (tubes are rated at 1.2 megawatts)- conducting grids are not
> part of that rating.  It will be all in the finest Freau tradition... only
> it'll be red grids in the sunset. I'm also expecting a bit of cathode
> sparking and particle release (gotta video this thing for our tapes.)  The
> last hassle is to remove the supply totally from the system during ring.  To
> be done with a hard tube or maybe even a specially adapted rotary gap.  The
> Vacuum purists and the SPCT (society for the prevention of cruelty to tubes)
> will be all over me like a cheap suit.
> 
> I got lotsa' ideas, equipment and stuff, but little time.  The work
> progresses.  More as it happens.
> 
> Richard Hull, TCBOR