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Re: spark shape observation
From: Malcolm Watts[SMTP:MALCOLM-at-directorate.wnp.ac.nz]
Sent: Friday, November 14, 1997 7:47 PM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: spark shape observation
Hi Greg,
> From: Greg Leyh [SMTP:lod-at-pacbell-dot-net]
> Sent: Thursday, November 13, 1997 4:44 AM
> To: Tesla List
> Subject: Re: spark shape observation
>
> Malcolm Watts wrote:
>
>
> > > Previously, I have been using unsmooth forms for my coil (ie. foil
> > > covered ball, aluminum ducting). With this setup I get sparks from all
> > > the sharp points. A week or so ago, I got a Van De Graff from a friend,
> > > with a smooth aluminum sphere. That found its way right to the top of
> > > my tesla coil. Now when running, i get a few longer sparks that move
> > > all over the sphere. It's really great. Any way I noticed something
> > > I've never seen before. Usually, the sparks are very jittery and break
> > > apart and are all fragmented. But occasionally, the spark just
> > > straigtens right out so that it is one great long one. It just seems to
> > > stay in one place and it looks like it is flowing like water or
> > > something. Then after up to 6 or so seconds, it breaks off into what
> > > I'd say is normal operation. This seems very strange and intersting to
> > > me. Has anyone else ever noticed this? I've never read anything on
> > > this adn was wondering if someone could possibly explain it to me. It
> > > seems to me like it could be something important.
> > > -kevin
> >
> > Yes. I can consistently do this using a spherical terminal.
>
> How would you compare the spark quality from a sphere and a toroid of
> the
> same C? Or is it like comparing oranges and pumpkins?
>
>
> -GL
Boring as. Didn't connect with anything. I didn't think to set a
target close enough to the top. The spark just suspended itself
straight up and down and didn't move.
Malcolm