Re: How and where to begin?

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

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

Seppo,

> But how and where could I start to make my own Tesla coil system? Do I
> need some special knowledge or electrotechnical education? Is it
> "lawful" to construct such equipment?

Yes its lawful, provided the FCC dont get onto you for producing huge
amounts of RF emissions!!

You need a grasp of basic electrical and electronic concepts, (such as
power, voltage, current and resistance). IMHO you dont need to know anything
about the more advanced side, such as capacitance, inductance, reactance
etc. because you pick these things up as you go along. I started out with
very limited knowledge, and after doing a bit of proverbial homework on the
theory surrounding telsa coils, got to know how the theory behind them very
well. Building a few then taught me how to link the theories to practical
situations. Your first tesla coil is also your best lesson in these
subjects.

The great thing about TCs is that they can be constructed relatively easily
and cheaply by the amateur hobbyist. A good list of websites to start off
with are Terry's website (http://www.hot-streamer-dot-com) and Richie Burnett's
website (http://www.ritchieburnett.co.uk). The Geek group
(http://www.thegeekgroup-dot-org) will sell you capacitors suitible for coiling,
most of the other equipment can be picked up at the local hardware and
electrical stores.

One thing that is always stressed heavily on the list is safety. Even the
smaller tesla coils are very dangerous, and generate voltages up to 500kV at
curents high enough to stop your heart in the blink of an eye. They should
always be treated with respect, and previous experience with high voltage
(such as Van de Graff generators, Whimshurst machines etc) is HIGHLY
reccomended. With high voltage and high energy circuits, you do not get a
second chance. Coming into contact with the transformer, or worse the
primary circuit, will burn you, shock you and very easily kill you.

Enough with the morbid side of things, they are great fun to build and
study, and any questions can be asked here to the list. There are something
like 1000 people here ready to answer your questions.

Best Regards,

Jason
[UK Geek #1139 Rank G-2]
[HV / Tesla / Laser / Comp]
[  www.thegeekgroup-dot-org   ]