Re: A Little more than general questions V

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Gregory Hunter by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <ghunter31014-at-yahoo-dot-com>

Hi Wade,

--- Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com> wrote:
> Original poster: "Wade B AndB Anderson by way of
> Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>"
> <nabedaw-at-juno-dot-com>
> 
> Hi People,
> 
>   I seen the mention of "quenching" in a number of
> postings, and I'm abit
> befuddled? Thats a good word, befuddled, but why
> quench the spark gap and
> what are some of the better methods to use???

When the spark gap extinguishes (goes out, quits
conducting), that's called quenching.  First notch
quenching is optimum and usually gives best
performance. The "notch" refers to the first instance
during the firing cycle where the primary energy has
rung down to minimum, and the secondary energy has
rung up to maximum.  If the spark gap quenches at that
instant, maximum energy will be stranded in the
secondary, yielding longer sparks.

For a static gap, a strong blast of air is a good way
to enhance quenching, which is why so many coilers use
some sort of blower or vacuum cleaner motor with their
gaps.

> 
> The Toriod.... Most, in fact all of the toriods that
> I've seen photos of
> ( with the exception of Tesla's) are donut shaped.
> Does a sphere prevent
> the spark breakout???
> What are the advantages or disadvantages to using a
> sphere vs. a donut???

Spheres work great. I've made some mighty sparks with
them. However, they lack the shielding property of
toroids. An appropriately sized toroid shields or
shades the top turns of the secondary, preventing
unwanted corona and spark breakout from the top turns
of wire.  Likewise, the toroid seems to influence the
direction of the discharges, guiding the streamers
outward & away from the coil and reducing primary
strikes.  Spheres don't shade the top of the secondary
and they tend to send sparks in every direction, often
right into the primary or even the base of the
secondary.

> 
> Anyway, thanks,
> 
> Wade
> 
Best Regards,

Greg
http://hot-streamer-dot-com/greg 


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