Re: Another way to adjust NST

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Another way to adjust NST
From: "Malcolm Watts" <MALCOLM-at-directorate.wnp.ac.nz> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 21:05:50 -0600
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

Hi Chris,

> Original Poster: AuroraOne-at-webtv-dot-net 
> 
> Okay,  a lot of you didn't think it was possible to increase the output
> voltage of a neon, while at the same time decreasing its current -- by
> simply using a transformer with high voltage at low current to drive the
> neon's primary.  I really don't see why this wouldn't work, the neon
> would work as it always does - as a step-up transformer, but I would
> just be feeding it with a lower current to begin with.  Like, say, just
> using an isolation transformer of some sort to supply the neon with the
> 110 volts it needs, but at a lower amperage.  

Unfortunately not. For a start, the core will saturate if you apply a 
much higher voltage than 120VAC to the NST primary. Secondly, its 
primary current will be a lot higher (huge) with that voltage applied.

>      In any case, this is plan B:  Using a transformer that supplies 110
> volts, but at low current, thereby theoretically causing the neon to
> still step up the voltage, but at a much lower output current than it
> normally has.  (Nevermind what I'm using to drive the first transformer,
> it's a very strange and "Twilight Zone" sort of arrangement of a whole
> set of transformers.  The voltage is successively stepped up to the 110,
> but current is reduced each time.)
> Think this wacky (or not very wacky) idea may work, allowing me to have
> a high voltage AC supply, but at a lower "safe" current?
> Chris T.

No, but I think you should try it to convince yourself.

Malcolm