A new tuning idea?

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau-at-compaq-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

Several months ago I raised the possibility of metering the light output
from a fluorescent tube as a means of quantifying the output of a coil for
tuning purposes.  I never actually tried this as further thought made me
think that varying streamer length and attachment would result in variable
E-fields and unstable readings.

Now I'm wondering if metering the secondary base current might provide a
more stable and indicative reading of "in-tune"-ness.  This might be
accomplished simply by inserting a small incandescent bulb in series with
the secondary base connection, and again using a photocell and analog ohm
meter to indicate the relative base current.  It would probably work best to
provide a close target for the streamers so that they are essentially
continuous and the same length.

Does anyone know what the RMS base current for a medium-sized (15/60 NST
powered) coil might be?

Regards, Gary Lau
Waltham, MA USA