Re: RSG Speed

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

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

In a message dated 1/24/02 6:17:56 PM Pacific Standard Time, tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
writes: 


>
> Hello all, 
>
> How is the extremely high frequency of a tesla coil 
> acheived by using an RSG?   
>
>
> considering 3600 RPM (just a GUESStimate) with a mark 
> at every 15 degrees, you would only get 60hz :-/.... 
> to run a tesla coil isnt the frequency needed about 
> 300-500kHZ??? 
>
> thanks, 
>
> Cory Roussel 



Cory, 

The operating frequency of a Tesla coil is not determined by the spark gap, it
is determined by the natural self resonant frequency of the secondary with it's
attached toroid.  The primary coil and primary capacitor is then designed to
operate at that same frequency.  The spark gap just serves as a high voltage
switch to connect the primary and capacitor in series once the capacitor has
been charged by the high voltage supply. 

Ed Sonderman