Re: Triggered Tap Testing

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

Original poster: "Terry Fritz" <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>

Hi Alex,

At 08:38 PM 8/11/2001 -0400, you wrote:
>I am in the process of constructing a trigger gap and I have a few
>questions.
>1. What current do most trigger gaps draw assuming a 150 watt load
>resistor?

I disconnected the 400 watt resistors.  I get 0.5 to 1.0A RMS.  The peaks
can get up to 13 amps.  The signal is a bunch of sharp spikes that a RMS
clamp meter could not see.  Had to use the Pearson 411 current monitor and
TEK scope.

>2. Where can I get some doorknob cap(s) cheep and are they necessary for
>good performance?

I have not been using them.  The impedance of the GM coil seem high enough
to it is not a problem.  However, I think using the caps would be safer.  I
don't know of a good source.

>3.  How important is a line filter and where can I get one cheep. I do keep
>some electronics plugged in while I am running the coil.

The line filter only stops radio frequency interference.  TV, phone, radio.
 Computers are not very susceptible to that.  If the other stuff is turned
off, it is not an issue.

I would definitely put MOVs all over the place.  There is a chance the
primary circuit could find it's way to the AC line.  Having a dozen MOVs in
there will keep a multi kV pulse out of the AC line if something goes bad.
Radio shack sell them for like $2 each or they can be ordered for far less.
 New line filters are expensive but used ones are dirt cheap, just like AC
caps...

Cheers,

	Terry


>Alex Madsen
># 1147
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
>Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2001 5:41 PM
>Subject: Triggered Tap Testing
>
>
>> Original poster: "Terry Fritz" <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I did some testing with Marc's triggered gap today using this setup:
>>
>> http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/MarcGap/MarcGap1.jpg
>>
>> Marc's gap uses two tungsten carbide milling tools for the electrodes and
>a
>> 1/8 inch tungsten rod for a trigger electrode:
>>
>> http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/MarcGap/MarcGap2.jpg
>>
>> When the gap is running, the arc goes from one electrode, to the trigger
>> electrode, and then on to the other main electrode as can be seen with a
>> welder's glass:
>>
>> http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/MarcGap/MarcGap3.jpg
>>
>> The gap does track perfectly with the trigger signal and appears to have
>> fairly low loss:
>>
>> http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/MarcGap/scope.gif
>>
>> The gap is very bright and one should visit the welding store for some
>> welder's glass or goggles (they are cheap, a few dollars).
>>
>> The gap does get pretty hot but the tungsten does not care much.  A small
>> fan would really help.
>>
>> I think the loss would be far less if the trigger electrode just distorted
>> the fields so the arc went between just the main electrodes.  Working on
>> this ;-)
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Terry
>>
>
>
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