Re: Help making tesla coil and jacobs ladder

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

Original poster: "Steve Mach by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <gossamer-at-cox-dot-net>

Another Newbie here, Neon sign wire is known as GTO wire (industry
desig.).Spark plug wire usually has a composite core (appx.1000 ohms/ft. Hot
rodders use solid core wire.(this usually has either a copper or stainless
steel core.Insulation should be ok to 50KV or so.
SM
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 10:41 PM
Subject: Re: Help making tesla coil and jacobs ladder


> Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<dbanse-at-comcast-dot-net>
>
> I am new myself to the tesla coil,
>
> But I do know that one of the best wires to use, is the high voltage neon
> sign wire which you can get at ANY neon sign shop....I have also heard
that
> heavy duty lamp cord will work too.
>
> I was looking at spark plug wire myself, but it is rated at VERY low
> amps....you wouldn't want to use that...I think it would melt in a
> second.....plus...if you ever looked at the inside of it, it isn't really
> wire, it is some type of 'core' that you wouldn't be able to attatch very
> easily to the transformer.
>
> As for the jacobs ladder, you can just use coat hangers attached to a
> non-conductive base....if you use wood, be careful, and make sure that it
is
> TOTALLY dry.....try coating it with some type of non-conductive spray or
> something...or wax.
>
> just place the coat hangers close enough at the bottom so they don't
touch,
> and just enough to start the arc.....then slowly taper them into a V
> shape.......then bend the top inch or so of each side even further
> out....this prevents the arc from hanging out at the top.
>
> Here is a link to a pic to help you:
>
> http://members.aol-dot-com/llund179/jacob.htm
>
> One more thing...you might want to add some type of protection for your
> transformer....I don't really know about how to or anything...but don't
blow
> out your NST!!
>
> Hope this helped some,
> See ya later,
> Jaime
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
> To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 6:48 PM
> Subject: Help making tesla coil and jacobs ladder
>
>
> > Original poster: "Robb by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> <robb-at-kc.rr-dot-com>
> >
> > Hello folks, im new to the mailing list.
> >
> > I am seeking advice and guidance on building a Tesla coil using
> > a 12,000 volt 30ma Neon Sign transformer.
> >
> > I have searched the net, and while I can probably figure it out,
> > I must admit that im not as electrical savy as I'd want, to undertake
> > designing one myself.
> >
> > I dont want to burn up the transformer, as I want to use it for other
> > projects as well, and I dont want to do anyhting that can get someone
> > hurt.
> >
> > Can anyone out there help me / tell me how to construct on?
> > Im not shooting for any goal of "50 inch arcs" or anything, just a
> > funtioning tesla coil that wont hurt anyone.
> >
> > Also, i want to make a jacobs ladder. Correct me if im wrong, but cant
> > I just take 2 coat hangers, bent away from each other, and shove them
> > in a piece of pine wood.  Position the bottom/closest point so its close
> > enough its not that hard for the 12kv to arc across, then let air
> > ionization and the spread of the wires do the rest.
> >
> > PS, this transformer, i bought on ebay, is a Franceformer.
> > Its completely potted in a steel casing.  Does it have any capacitors
> > inside that I need to worry about, or is it probably just a transformer?
> > Also.. I need output wires for the unit.  Any suggestions?
> > Will I need to use spark plug wires, to handle the voltage?
> >
> >
> > Thanks much folks, I appreciate it.
> >
> > -Robb
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>