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Next step-> Magnifier
I tried to provoke racing sparks by lowering the secondary to K=0.2,
but without succes, the sparks just got longer, that`s all. :-) With
the gaps set to 20kV, that`s 16,8 mm (0,66") in my gap, I just managed
90 " continous spark from breakout point to grounded rod. However, the
coil seemed more well tempered than ever, no safetygap firings at all,
and no self hits either. Also, breakout from the 12"prim. dia. toroid
was now possible. Random breakouts: now _that_ makes the coil come to
life for real! Unfortunately, I can`t lower the secondary any further
without messing the base up, and since the national electricity museum
has voiced interest in buying it, I don`t really want to do that.
My gut feeling about racing sparks is this: As the coupling is
increased, the coil gradually takes on the caracteristic of an ordinary
transformer, where the turns ratio rules. With a relatively low amount
of turns like mine (800) I can then use a higher coupling than a coil
with say 1200 turns, without exeeding the interturn breakdown voltage.
About magnifier:
I feel like taking on the challenge of building a magnifier system, 10kW
pig and suitable rotary. In contrast to the classic TC, which is easy to
make (anything goes, as long as it is in tune) the magnifier seems to me
like a *black art*.
Any help in establishing a fundamental understanding of its function
would be much appreciated.
Cheers, Finn