Re: CW

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

Original poster: "Ray von Postel by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <vonpostel-at-prodigy-dot-net>

CW is an abbreviation for "continuous wave".  Which is defined as:
"A radio or radar wave whose successive sinusoidal oscillations are
identical under
steady-state conditions."  "It is also known as type A. wave."   The type
of wave is more
often referred to by a "type of emission".  For example, the standard
broadcast station is
licensed by the F.C.C. to emit an amplitude modulated continuous wave.
This is known
as A-3 emission.

I know of 5 methods of generating a continuous wave:

    1, The Alexanderson and Goldshmidt alternators
    2, The Poulsen or Duddell arc generator
    3. The Marconi-Timed spark discharger
    4. The vacuum tube oscillator
    5. The "solid state"  i.e. transistor oscillator.

In theory, any of the above methods could be used as part of a continuous
wave "CW"
Tesla coil.  There are practical reasons why vacuum tubes are generally
used.  Perhaps
some one on this list has experimented with the other methods and will
share their experience.

It is interesting to speculate on the use of a Paulson arc as a driver for
a Tesla coil.  The
Navy,
before and during WW I, operated 200 KW arc transmitters where the arc
operated at only
500 volts. but it was direct current.  Considering the power, the current
would have been in
the order of 400 amperes. However, if you were to limit the power to
something more consistent
with the average Tesla coil it might be feasible.  For example,  500 volts
d.c. 4 ampere = 2 kw.
Connect forty one 12 volt and one 6 volt car storage batteries in series
will get you the 500
volts.
But don't forget the problem of the battery connections!!!

Ray