Re: Tungsten static gap

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

Original poster: "Dr. Resonance" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com> 


We carry 1/2 inch dia. threaded tungstens in stock at $12.50 each.

On 6.5 kVA coils in museum service operating 7 days/wk x 3 demos/day they
last 4 years.  In experimenter coiling they would last literally your
lifetime.

Contact me off list if interested.

Dr. Resonance

Resonance Research Corporation
E11870 Shadylane Rd.
Baraboo   WI   53913
 >
 > This year I experimented with several different designs of tungsten gaps;
 > both used 3/8" tungsten balls silver soldered to 1/4" threaded brass rods.
 > Net investment of about $75. I used them to replace my RQ pipe gap which
 > required cleaning after five minutes. These were small coils that varied
 > from 250 to 750 watts.
 >
 > The first design had seven electrodes inside a 3.5" plexiglass tube,
 > attached by 1/4 20 tapped holes in a circular fashion, ringing the tube,
 > with the balls inside the the tube. A rather delicate and exacting
 > undertaking.  However, it was easy to set the gaps by turning each
threaded
 > rod.  Further adjustments was possible through tapping more  or less
 > electrodes. There was a high cfm muffin fan at one end. Observations: they
 > lasted longer than other static gaps, maybe by a few minutes. They did
 > develop a white oxide build up which had to be cleaned (easily done). The
 > fan is essential with this set up and it works well. I get more consistent
 > streamers, even on my little 12" x 2.5" coil.
 >
 >
 > The second design was just 3 open electrodes in series screwed into a
plexi
 > block, with a fan at the side. Worked as well but got hotter.
 >
 > Interestingly, some of the best performance was with just two electrodes -
a
 > very simple gap. Very loud.
 >
 > Overall, I like their look and ease of cleaning, but still not sure they
are
 > worth the money. The lack of overall surface area is a problem and they do
 > get hot. I will experiment more this summer (that is when I coil).
 >
 > Gary VanderPutten
 > The Urban Coiler
 >
 >
 >