[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Re: how big a spark should I expect
Jeff,
We have almost the same set up. Mine is 15K/60mA, 16 turn inverse
conical primary (1/4" copper tubing), 4"X23" toroid. I get 32" - 36"
sparks. You mention two .01 caps in series - this would mean you're
getting only .005uF in total capacitance - half the required amount. Is
this right? Or do you have two in series for a total of .01uF? Also,
what size toroid do you have? The bigger, the better sparks. Lastly,
what style spark gap are you using? Mine is RQ design - 6" PVC with 8
sections of 1-1/4" copper tubing spaced at .040 each for a total gap of
.28". I have a muffin fan mounted on top which helps the quench. I've
substituted a shop vac for the fan yesterday, and got a little better
spark. I also found my gap works best with 2 of the gaps shorted
together, so I'm really only running a total gap size of .20.
Hope this helps,
Bob Volk
> Original Poster: jmonty-at-flash-dot-net
>
> I have just completed my first coil, an 8 year on again-off again
> proposal and was wondering what sort of results I should expect.
>
> The coil is a follows
>
> 1- 15kv -at-60ma neon transformer
> 2- .01 mineral oil filled caps from a spot welder in series
> 1- forced air spark gap
> 1- primary of 18 turns, number 6 tapped at about 12 turns
> 1- 600 turn secondary wound at 20 turns to the inch.
>
> I am getting 18 to 20 inch streamers. Is this about right for a coil of
> this size?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jeff Montgomery