static multi-gap spark gap spacings???

["John Morawa" <morawaj-at-interaccess-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

Hello,

	I'm confused (what else is new?).  When I was coiling last (over 10 years
ago) i was running a 15/30 NST with a static spark gap.  By experimentation
I found that placing a metal object between the two electrodes of the gap
and thus breaking it into 2 gaps (or even more), seemed to increase output
sparks nicely.  With the 15/30 NST and say 2 gaps, each gap was at least
1/2" for a total spark gap arcing length of at least 1".  My question is
this.  I have seen projects out there being powered by 12kv xfmers that also
use a static spark gap ( the Richard Quick gap i think it was named).  It
consists of say 7 copper tubing pieces 1" dia by 2" long all in line with
each gapped with a seperation of 0.028".  That is smaller than 1/32"!  The
total spacing would be 6 x 0.028" = 0.168" which is almost 3/16".  This just
sounds wrong to me!  If i'm correct the capacitor will hardly charge nowhere
near it's maximum before the gap would break down and fire.  Sounds great if
you want the absolute minumum amount of stress to your system but the
secondary spark output would be a mere fraction of it's possible potential.
Please enlighten me as to what is going on here or what is wrong in my
thought processes.
	You folks are great!  There is a wealth of knowledge and experience out
here.  I would like to build my new coil to be very efficient and would like
to do it right, so I have been asking many questions as of recently.  Even
though sometimes I get a variety of different replies I very much appreciate
hearing everyones experiences and their input.  Have a great day and thanks
again.

John M.