Re: Are all NST center tapped? and where to get them

[FutureT-at-aol-dot-com (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

In a message dated 10/3/00 8:10:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

> Original poster: "Seth Fischer" <aureo-at-xtra.co.nz> 
>  
>  I am about to go and look for a NST.  Are they all center tapped?
>  
>  Is there anything I should look out for (used vs new etc.)?
>  
>  
>  Seth Fischer

Seth,

The higher voltage ones are all center tapped as far as I know.
I have a 3kV one that is not center tapped, so one side can
be grounded, and two could be used in series if desired with
the center grounded for 6kV total.  

New NST's are high priced at $100 or more depending on brand,
size, etc.  Since NST's are often quickly destroyed during the
learning process, it may be wise to look for used ones.  Used
ones fall into 3 catagories;  free, $5 to $10, and $50 or so.  It
all depends on the source and their nature.  If you go to the
NST shop (vs telephoning), you have a better chance to get a
good deal.  Often the old shops that look like they've been there
100 years will give a better deal.  Sometimes they say they have
nothing, but if you keep telling them that you can use any NST,
even if it's burned out on one side, etc.... they may give you
something.  Stress that you've used them before, and that
they don't last long in your use.... so it doesn't pay to buy them
new, etc, that sort of thing.  Go to 4 or 5 shops in the area, (if
there are that many in your area), and you'll get a selection of
NST's.  It's good to have a few so you won't care too much when
they fail.  You can find them on the internet too for about $20 or so
used.  Sometimes you can get them from buildings that are being
torn down or renovated, etc.

John Freau