Re: Rigging Antique Coil

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

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

Tesla list wrote:

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

><SageGaspar-at-aol-dot-com>
 
> I'm trying to rig up a semi-antique Tesla Coil, which my

> physics teacher claims was circa Tesla's time period.


	Interesting.  More detail, notably estimated dimensions,
	will be of great help.

> It's basically a big coil wrapped around an open wooden box,


	How big is the box, roughly?
	(dimensions of sides, length)
	Need not be extremely accurate, for now.
	If easy, estimate wire size, number of turns.

> with the inner coil of wire in the middle.


	Same questions.  8)>>
	Probably NOT practical to count the turns. (?)
	(Can an inch or so of length be counted and the
	length of the wound secondary be given?)

	I'm guessing: the 'box' coil is likely the
	primary, the inner coil the secondary.

> There's an open gap with a metal sphere on either side built

> into this device, which I assume is where the electricity arcs.


	Where is it connected, if at all?
	Roughly how big?
	Please describe in more detail.

> What do I need to get this working,


	Several things, more info would allow better
	suggestions.

> and how should I go about connecting it?

	I suggest that more info will allow better
	answers.  I'm GUESSING:
		Power transformer

		Capacitor.

		Possibly a primary gap.
		Assorted filters.
		Possibly secondary electrodes/toroids.
		Likely some HV wire.

	A 'Tesla Coil', even a simple one, is a fairly
	complex system, works best of all the pieces are
	close to right.

	If you like, ideally, might be nice to have an
	experienced coiler 'look at it', as saving a lot
	of questions.  There are a number of Tesla
	Simulation programs that are available, someone will
	probably be willing to run your coil specs thru
	one, to recommend some values.

	best
	dwp
	(who would, but he doesn't have a sim program...)