Re: Tuning a tesla coil without high voltage power

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

Original poster: "Jolyon Vater Cox by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <jolyon-at-vatercox.freeserve.co.uk>

Would it also be possible to use a regular step-down transformer and
current-limiting resistor to drive a TC at low power -using back-to-back
zener diodes, a DIAC or an NE2 neon bulb in place of the spark-gap?

Jolyon.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 12:08 AM
Subject: Re: Tuning a tesla coil without high voltage power


> Original poster: "Ed Phillips by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<evp-at-pacbell-dot-net>
>
> A VERY simple way to provide low-power excitation to a TC is to connect
> the primary capacitor and inductor IN SERIES across the contacts of a
> buzzer, preferably one running on DC.  Each time the contacts open the
> voltage across the coil will rise, charging the capacitor.  When the
> contacts close again the primary circuit will be completed just as when
> a spark gap is used.  This is the same basic principle as used in the
> "kicker coils", and was used in the early days of "wireless" both to run
> a transmitter from DC power (quite high-powered buzzers!), and also as a
> signal source when coupled with a suitable resonant circuit.  During WW1
> all sides used similar setups for "trench radios".  I have an old
> General Radio Model No. 174B signal generator which uses a high-pitched
> buzzer this configuration, and it works surprisingly well.
>
> Ed
>
>
>
>