RE: A new tuning idea?

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

If I may reply to my own post, I tried this technique today.  So far, the
results are unuseable.  The problem is that the base current fluctuates
wildly as a function of streamer length.  Even positioning the topload right
beside a target, the streamer length waxes and wanes with time, and the
meter is still all over the scale.  Perhaps if I incorporate a peak detector
(that also rejects the outrageous noise in the area!) and compare peak
currents?  Another project to put in my queue!

Regards, Gary Lau
Waltham, MA USA


>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?