RE: getting started

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

Original poster: "Loudner, Godfrey by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <gloudner-at-SINTE.EDU>

Hi Matt an All

Well you certainly pinned me to your wrestling mat with my quarter-wave
length advice. I cannot recall the exact statement, but someone had
commented that Tesla had introduced the quarter-wave length idea as a
convenience, not a fundamental principle, for the kind of or size of coils
he was building. That readers of Tesla had misconceived his statements about
the quarter-wave length as a fundamental principle for all coils. 

Godfrey Loudner

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Tesla list [SMTP:tesla-at-pupman-dot-com]
> Sent:	Monday, May 14, 2001 9:02 AM
> To:	tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject:	Re: getting started
> 
> Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>"
> <Mddeming-at-aol-dot-com>
> 
> In a message dated 5/13/01 11:45:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
> tesla-at-pupman-dot-com writes: 
> 
> 
> 
> >
> > Original poster: "Loudner, Godfrey by way of Terry Fritz < 
> > twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <gloudner-at-SINTE.EDU> 
> >
> > Hi Dave 
> >
> > First study an algebra and trigonometry based book on the principles of 
> > electricity and magnetism. This level of knowledge will allow you to 
> > understand and judge advice. Then search the web where you will find a
> huge 
> > amount of information. Matt Behrend's site 
> > www.home.earthlink-dot-net/~electronxlc is excellent for the beginner. There
> are 
> > more advanced sites that will refine your knowledge. Most sites provide 
> > links to other sites. Always read the safety sections. High voltage is 
> > dangerous, and your first mistake could be your last. Know what is 
> > dangerous, and develop a safety procedure that is best for YOU. Build
> your 
> > first tesla coil around a neon sign transformer, and experiment
> extensively. 
> > Then you can move on to more powerful coils if power becomes your thing.
> My 
> > last bit of advice is to ignore ALL advice based upon the useless
> quarter- 
> > wave length theory. 
> >
> > Godfrey Loudner 
> 
> 
> 
> Hi Godfrey, All, 
> I Believe that I have found the origin of the so-called
> "quarter-wavelength 
> myth." It was Nicola Tesla himself. cf Pat. No. 645,576 20 March 1900,
> lines 
> 287 through 314. I guess nobody's infallible, but I'd be reluctant to
> ignore 
> all his advice. :) 
> 
> Matt D.
>