Re: Tuning a spark gap TC

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

Original poster: "Jeremy Scott by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <supertux1-at-yahoo-dot-com>

You would have to adjust the spark gap.
Some people use a short length of copper
pipes laid side by side, for low power
runs and tests they adjust a tap
so that there is only one or two gaps,
and at full power adjust so all the gaps
are in the circuit.

Rotary gaps usually don't need to be adjusted
because their electrodes are already close
enough.

But for the plain, two-bolt spark gap, you will
have to move them closer at lower voltages.

I built the TCT, terry's tesla coil tuner circuit
and it works pretty good if you don't have a scope
and signal generator.
(Basically a signal generator derived from a 555)

It's in the file archives off of www.hot-streamer-dot-com
under the TCT directory.

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/TeslaCoils/Misc/TCT/TCT.htm

--- Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com> wrote:
 > Original poster: "Jeremy D. Gassmann by way of Terry
 > Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <gassmajd-at-email.uc.edu>
 >
 > Hi group,
 >          I have seen posts that recommend tuning a
 > TC at about 30% max
 > power before turning it up all of the way to avoid
 > damaging components that
 > may be out of tune.  I agree with this methodology,
 > but my question is,
 > should you adjust the spark gap spacing so that it
 > will arc at the new
 > voltage?  For my 15 kV system that would be about
 > 4500 volts.  Not
 > adjusting the spark gap would the capacitor ever
 > charge up enough to short
 > out the spark gap.  If it didn't, the primary would
 > resonate at 60 Hz
 > right?  I am probably missing something here, so I
 > thought I would ask.
 >          If anyone has any best practices or tried
 > and true methods of
 > tuning that they feel like mentioning as well as
 > some pitfalls to avoid
 > that would be much appreciated.  Thanks everyone in
 > advance for your help!
 >
 >
 >
 > Jeremy Gassmann
 > Cincinnati, Oh
 > http://jeremyee.tripod-dot-com
 >
 >
 >


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