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Re: Tesla Coil Measurements

Hi Viv,

Since the fiber-optic probe paper was written, there have been many
improvements.  I have not written up the new probe stuff yet but I have a
zip file with a bunch of info about the latest version at:

www.peakpeak-dot-com/~terryf/tesla/misc/

The file is  R4APROBE.ZIP

I don't really recommend the probe described in the old paper anymore since
the new version is so much nicer.  However, the old system was rather
inexpensive so a number of people use it.  Of course, nothing is very
critical so improvisation is easy.

The old probe info is at:

www.peakpeak-dot-com/~terryf/tesla/projects/projects.html

The antenna paper is still current at:

www.peakpeak-dot-com/~terryf/tesla/experiments/experiments.html

Cheers,

	Terry



At 02:21 AM 5/2/99 +0200, you wrote:
>Hi Viv, all
>
>>Original Poster: "Vivian Watts" <V.C.Watts-at-btinternet-dot-com>
>>I am interested in making electrical measurements of the characteristics
>>of a Tesla coil in operation.  Particularly the ringing down of the primary
>>and ringing up of the secondary.  I have an oscilloscope and would like to
>>know any recommended and safe methods of making measurements.  Also I am
>>interested in observing the current phase with respect to the supply voltage
>>to see the power factor.  I have a current transformer with a moving Iron
>>ammeter.  If I measure the voltage across the ammeter, is this going to be
>>in phase with the supply voltage or supply current?
>
>How about giving Terry´s fiber optics probe a try? He has a design manual
>to download on his peakpeak-dot-com site. I had a look at this (and it IS on my
>looooooong list of still-to-do-things"). The construction doesn´t look all too
>difficult and it measures "online". Meaning you get a direct look at the
actual
>voltage and current flowing during a run. As it is "opto-isolated", it is a 
>very
>"scope-safe" way to measure V & A. The problem with current transformers,
>etc. is that you have a (more or less) direct electrical connection to your
>scope. If the insulation has a weak spot, your scope or ammeter will
>surely die. Not mention what a direct hit from the secondary to the current
>xformer could do.... (;...o((. Terry also has a design manual for his plane
>antennas, which are of great help in scoping a TC. Best of all, Terry will
give
>you the info for the price of a download connection = as free as it can get
>(:o))!! Most parts for the probe are easily available. The most expensive
>are the actual opto transmitter and reciever units, but I am sure you could
>substitute different ones (I haven´t checked on the european availabilty
>of the exact types he mentioned).
>
>Have a look at those two papers. They are well worth downloading and
>reading.
>
>Coiler greets from germany,
>Reinhard
>
>
>