Fine Tuning a Spark Gap

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Fine Tuning a Spark Gap
From: gweaver <gweaver-at-earthlink-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 23:31:44 -0600
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

I built a new RQ spark gap today to replace my old RQ spark gap.

The old spark gap has 8 gaps.  Each gap being .030 each.  Total gap .240

The new RQ spark gap has 8 gaps.  Each gap space is different.  I have .060,
.050, .040, .035, .030, .025, .020, .015.  Total gap is .275

The discharge sparks from the toroid are 24" max to a target using the old
spark gap.

The discharge sparks from the toroid are 29" max to a target using the new
spark gap.

I fine tuned the spark gap by shorting out one gap at a time and checking
the length of the discharge spark.  After experement for several minutes I
discovered my best output is with gap .060 and gap .015 shorted out. Total
gap is .200

I shortened my spark gap by .040 and the output got 5" longer.  

I also get much better output through the full adjustment range of the variac.

Gary Weaver