Re: A very little coil

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

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <FutureT-at-aol-dot-com>

In a message dated 7/21/01 8:49:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

> Original poster: "Skip Greiner by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <
> sgreiner-at-wwnet-dot-com>
>  
>  I picked up a 6kv -at- 1ma DC supply. I have built a small coil with a couple 
> of
>  screws for the break. The discharge from the top terminal is about 1.5" 
and 
> I
>  can draw sparks about 2" long with a screw driver. The discharge sparks are
>  very fine and must be viewed in subdued light.
>  Has anyone had experience at this power level...6w? Are these discharges 
> about
>  right or can I do better. Will appreciate all comments.
>   
>  Thanks   Skip

Hi Skip,

My formula suggests 4" sparks for 6 watts.  I've never done any work
at that power level though, and I don't know if the formula will
work properly at that power level, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does.
If the cap is very small, the coil may be running at a rather high
breakrate, and that will tend to shorten the sparks, for a given
input power.  I wonder too if the coil is really drawing 6 watts
despite the power supply rating?  (maybe it's drawing less?)

John Freau