Sync-mod technique, was Thanks for the help!

To: "'Tesla List'" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Subject: Sync-mod technique, was Thanks for the help!
From: Tesla List <tesla-at-stic-dot-net>
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 1998 08:12:16 -0600
Approved: tesla-at-stic-dot-net

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From:  FutureT [SMTP:FutureT-at-aol-dot-com]
Sent:  Wednesday, January 28, 1998 7:49 AM
To:  tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject:  Re: Sync-mod technique, was Thanks for the help!

In a message dated 98-01-28 01:03:06 EST, you write:

<< 
> Funny you should mention that.. I am in the process of seeking out 
> the directions to modify a motor to sync operation for just that reason.
> [More power for less..] I figure if I smoke the tranny now, well, it
> gave me a good result, and I can't really learn too much more from it.

> Onward and Upward....
> Michael Baumann   >>

Michael, all,

The directions are in the archives of the list.  Basically, grind 2 flats 
on the armature of a 3450 rpm induction motor, or grind 4 flats on
the armature of a 1725 rpm motor.  On a 1/4 HP motor with a 3 3/8"
dia. armature, I made the flats 1 1/8" wide (1725 rpm).  This can be
even done using a large hand file.  Just try to keep the flats the same
width, and 90 degrees apart for balance and smooth operation.
Balance is not a great problem at 1725 or 3600 rpm in a reasonably
sized motor.  I prefer to mount the motor in a cradle that allows for
motor rotation as I find this easier than making the fixed electrodes
movable for phase adjustment.  

Two possible further advantages of a sync gap for neon systems may
be the fast quenching, and the once-per-half-cycle firing of the gap.
Fast quenching subjects the tranny windings to destructive RF currents
for a shorter period of time.  It takes time for RF currents to damage
windings, and the fast quenching may make the pulses too short to
do much damage.  The once-per-half-cycle firing may help by
subjecting the windings to RF currents only once per half cycle,
compared to multiple *assaults* which may occur using a narrowly
adjusted static gap.  Other "protective" advantages of the sync gap
system have been mentioned previously on the list.  

During initial adjustment of the sync gap, be sure to keep  the power
turned down low until proper sync phase and proper tune have been
achieved, because out of adjustment operation may stress the neon
trannies.

Regards,
John Freau