TC Operation Question

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

Original poster: "EMMETT SECREST" <secrest2032-at-msn-dot-com> 

I am new to TC's so I have a lot to learn. I would like to know what 
relationship the RF ground has to the operation of the TC. I know it is to 
direct RF to ground but what I was wondering was what effect it has on the 
operation of the coil if it is not present at all. I am still waiting on my 
MMC's from The Geek Group and in the mean time I built a saltwater bucket 
cap. I hooked it up and tried out my coil without an RF ground (it was 
raining and I was impatient). It would make the florescent lights glow but 
would not generate any arcs.  I don't know if it is a coupling issue, a 
tuning issue or the lack of an RF ground. I probably haven't provided 
enough info but any insight you experienced coilers could provide is 
appreciated.

12KV 60mA Xfmr
.25" cu tubing primary 15 turns w/ .25" spacing

secondary 4.5" dia. 22.5" tall 1086 turns
primary inner turn to secondary spacing 2.5"
plane of primary 2" above start winding of secondary
RQ spark gap with 5 pieces of 1" x 2" cu total gap .25"

Tank cap= 12 Corona bottles in saltwater,  capacitance = ?

Toroid 4" above top secondary winding
Major Dia. 22"
4" aluminum dryer duct

Thanks in advance for everyones guidance.

Emmett