Re: spark length vs. power input

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

Original poster: "Dr. Resonance by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com>


We use a 1/2 inch standard rod gap off the toroid and also for ground.

Break rate will increase spark length but only if enough drive current is
available to recharge the cap to full charge.  Pole xmfrs fit this
description but NST's usually fall far short.  That's why we're developing
our own 16 kV NST style that can deliver 200-300 mA.

We use the longest sparks possible where some but not all of the sparks are
striking the ground rod.  We also always do our resonance tuning, coeff. of
coupling tuning, and power supply tuning at an initial value of around 30%
on the variac.  We keep the variac setting and just turn the unit on/off as
we make adjustments -- of course, throwing the main disconnect for safety,
but always keep the variac setting in it's initial setting.

Dr. Resonance

Resonance Research Corporation
E11870 Shadylane Rd.
Baraboo   WI   53913
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Monday, June 09, 2003 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: spark length vs. power input


 > Original poster: "Mark Broker by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<mbroker-at-thegeekgroup-dot-org>
 >
 > On Sun, 08 Jun 2003 21:35:53 -0600, Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com> wrote:
 >
 > >Original poster: "Dr. Resonance by way of Terry Fritz
 > ><teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com>
 > >
 > >
 > >After several measurements of spark lengths vs. input power I've come to
the
 > >conclusion that John Freau's original equation may need some slight
 > >correction factors.  It appears the correction is related to the dia. of
the
 > >sec. coil.
 >
 > <snip>
 >
 > Very intersting!  Approximately how many Tesla Coils were measured from
 > each size range, and approximately how measurements were made from each
 > coil?  Also, how did you define spark length in terms of number of hits to
 > a grounded rod (assumed a grounded rod was strike target) per minute?
(I'm
 > thinking of the "Statistics & spark length" thread currently being
 > discussed on the list. ;) )
 >
 > Have you noticed any effect on break rate on spark length?
 >
 > Thanks,
 >
 > Mark Broker
 > Chief Engineer, The Geek Group
 >
 >
 >
 >