Re: Ballasting question

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

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

In a message dated 6/26/01 9:15:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
writes:

 - snip -
<< 
 But that's not where it seems to stop. Between bangs the transformer is
 looking at the Tesla Coil's primary tank circuit capacitor Cp. Thus, there
 appears to be an LC series circuit comprising Cp and L where L = ballast
 inductance x N^2 (pole pig turns ratio). Please again you experienced guys,
 jump in and correct me if this is wrong. If I am right in this, then the
 ballast inductance can be increased from its minimum value to where it will
 resonate with Cp at 50/60Hz. Again the transformer primary circuit will
 behave as a short circuit at resonance. So--- some value between the minimum
 inductance and the resonating inductance needs to be worked out. I think
 inductances greater than the resonant value can also be considered.(Please
 again you experts, help!!) There seems again here to be computer programs
 around to work this all out, but I would like to see and understand the
 algorithms used.
 
 I hope this is helpful here or has stirred up better and more correct
 answers to your question.
 
 Chuck
 
  >>
Chuck,

You are correct about the resonance issue.  If you do this intentionally with 
a pole transformer, make sure you understand what is going on.  I 
unintentionally had this condition when using an arc welder as ballast and 
using an async rotary gap.  The primary voltage goes very high - and blew up 
one of my Condenser Products caps.  I believe a hint that this is happening 
is when you hear pops, like small muffled explosions coming from the rotary 
gap - out of sync with normal firing.

Ed Sonderman