RE: triggered gaps

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

Original poster: "Lau, Gary by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <Gary.Lau-at-compaq-dot-com>

Hi Marc:

I usually don't like to clutter the List with a "way to go!" post, but it
needs to be said.  Way to go!

I don't think the use of triggered gaps will enable longer sparks over a
sync RSG, but it may end up being a much easier to build and easier to
adjust alternative to SRSR's with comparable results.  Terry's SSG does hold
promise for better performance, but at a substantial $ cost.

I would try to use a heavier trigger electrode.  Besides the erosion
problem, a hot electrode generates more ions which is bad for quenching.  I
would think that a tungsten welding rod should hold up well.  Or maybe a
sheet of copper midway between the electrodes?

Do you know if your dimmer circuit provides a variable delay?  I have some
back-of-the-envelope plans for an adjustable trigger circuit, but with my
house in a state of move-preparation, no time or means of trying it.

Gary


>Original poster: "Metlicka Marc by way of Terry Fritz
<twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <mystuffs-at-orwell-dot-net>

>all,
>in my beginning tests on the triggered spark gaps, i have found that a
>dimmer and ford ignition coil works very well for the trigger source. my
>only problem has been the coil getting hot very quickly?
>for the test gap i used two carbide points and a 5\30 nst connected
>across them. i now tried another carbide point for the trigger electrode
>(tungsten wire was burning up).
>without the trigger i could initiate a 1/4" arc between the electrodes,
>with the trigger i could initiate and maintain up to 1/2" gap. i spread
>the main electrodes to 1" with the trigger point centered and just off
>of the arc path, with the dimmer at it's lowest setting the triggered
>fired the gap at a steady 120 fires per second on my scope.
>i will now try a fan for quenching, installing a cap and putting it on a
>coil.
>might be a lighter alternative to a sync. gap?
>of coarse with the fine work terry's doing on the ssgap, it may all be
>for not?
>marc m.