RE: Spark Gap question

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

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

There are very few hard and fast rules for Tesla Coil construction.
I've actually never heard the suggestion to figure on 1000V per gap.
The use of series gaps, as opposed to a single gap, is a tradeoff
between gap losses and how well it quenches.  Multiple series gaps
quench better but have higher losses.  There are many variables and
there is not yet a definitive answer for what the best compromise might
be.

I personally have had the best results with a single "sucker" gap.  If
you're determined to try a multiple cylinder gap, I would suggest a
number far less than 15.  For a single NST, you can use almost any size
pipe and it won't matter.  Just be sure to have a fan or blower forcing
air through the gap(s).

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

>Original poster: "Johnson, Jeffrey D -at- PWC by way of Terry Fritz
<twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <jeffrey.d.johnson-at-l->3com-dot-com>
>
>This question is regarding the famous RQ/TCBOR gap.  I've read that you
>should use 1.5" copper pipe and figure on 1000 V per gap.  If I'm
running a
>15kV NST that means I need 2 to 3 six gap assemblies in series.  Can't
I
>just use 1" pipe and put 15 2" pieces inside a 6" section of PVC?  
>
>JJ