SUCCESS ! ! ! ! Problems with First Tesla Coil - SUCCESS ! ! ! ! ! !

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

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

After work I took out my oscilloscope and signal generator (and old HP tube
oscillator capable of up to 50VAC output) and carefully measured the
resonant frequency of my secondary which was about 200kHz.  I then did the
same to the primary making marks on the primary coil in pencil at 195,200,
and 205kHz.  I set the tap at 200kHz.

My big problem I think was the fact I didn't use a good RF ground the first
time.  Well, wasn't even connected actually.  DUH!!!  So i ran my 4 AWG
stranded copper ground wire to my ground rod outside.

I then added a small wire taped to the toroid as many on this group
suggested.

Plugged everything in and corona appeared at around 50% power.  At 60%
power, there were about 1 foot streamers.  At about 80% power 3 foot +
streamers ! ! ! AWESOME!!!!!

Anyways, once I pushed beyond 80%, I got super loud flashes between my rotor
wheel and the stationary supports.  I guess they are too close and are
arcing over.  Well, success at last.  Now to increase spacing on my SRSG,
build my motor phase controller, and fine tune the thing.

Thanks again for your help!!!

Dan