Measuring static-gap break rate

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

Original poster: "Scott Hanson by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <huil888-at-surfside-dot-net>

What are the options for measuring the actual operating break rate of a static
gap? What simple, straightforward techniques have proven useful? I need to
measure the actual breakrate on a small coil that is using a much smaller than
usual tank cap.
 
I was considering using a small "spotting" telescope, a photo diode and a Fluke
multimeter with frequency counter function. Mount the photo diode in the bottom
of an opaque plastic 35mm film can, aim the telescope at the static gap, attach
the film can to the eyepiece of the telescope, and monitor the output of the
photodiode with the frequency counter. Everything could be 10 feet or more from
the coil, so EMI/RFI might be not be a problem.
 
Any suggestions?
 
Regards,
Scott Hanson