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Re: Tesla Coil questions from a beginner (fwd)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 21:25:46 -0700
From: sickboy <stefan00-at-gte-dot-net>
To: Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Subject: Re: Tesla Coil questions from a beginner (fwd)
At 21:32 5/15/98 -0600, you wrote:
>
>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 21:06:45 -0400
>From: Bob <bob985-at-earthling-dot-net>
>To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
>Subject: Tesla Coil questions from a beginner
>
>I am new to the list and the hobby of building Tesla coils. I was
>hardly aware this kind of hobby existed several months ago, but now am
>*very* interested. :-)
>
>
>I have learned a lot by browsing web pages and by reading the postings
>in the last few weeks, but I still have many questions.
>
>
>Basically, on my first coil, I want to get somewhere from 12-24 inch
>sparks, but can't have more than 24 inch sparks due to safety concerns.
>
>I plan to use a section of dryer venting for the toroid, make the
>capacitors out of glass bottles, and have the secondary somewhere
>around 24-30 inches tall.
Sounds Like a plan.
>-What are the advantages/ disadvantages of using 36 vs. 26 gauge wire
>for the secondary?
>I am assuming that with the 36 there would be more windings, and
>therefore a higher output voltage and longer sparks. Is this correct?
>
No, 36 could not handle the current. 24 or 26 gauge would be your best choice.
>Would a section of 4 inch diameter tubing be better than 2 inch diameter
>tubing for longer sparks?
YES!!
>
>Generally, what output would I be looking for on a transformer?
>(6-15KV?, 30ma, 60ma+?)
>
Probably 12-15kv -at- 60ma
>How much improvement would a RQ spark gap show over a spark gap made of
>angle irons and bolts? Would this be overkill for a coil this size?
A small TCBOR (RQ) type SG will give you great prformance increases, and
allow you to run your coil longer.
>What kinds of wire would I use to supply the power to the primary?
>(maybe) Over a cement floor?
>Neon sign wire? Regular 12 gauge wire in electrical conduit?
Neon sign wire will most likely work best at this low current level.
>Will running this in a garage just below a computer and dozens of 3.5
>diskettes do nasty things to the circuitry and/or data stored?
>Will I have to build a Faraday cage?
Should be OK, just remember to turn off your computer.
>Essentially, what would give me the 12-24 inch sparks for the lowest
>cost?
>
>
>Thanks for any questions you might answer.
>
>-Bob
sickboy AKA Stefan Bishay
KC7SJC
Seattle, WA
ICQ 2141646
"Hell, we all die in the end"
-Jello Biafra