Tuning Troubles

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

Original poster: "WIZZARD . by way of Terry Fritz <teslalist-at-qwest-dot-net>" <pbobyk-at-hotmail-dot-com>

I get 24" sparks to a sharpened ground rod horizontal to the torid.
I am sure that I can do better with the components I am using, I am just at 
a standstill and could use your input. Any Suggestions?

The resonant frequency of my secondary, by itself, measures -at- 200 KHz with 
a frequency generator and scope. Once I assembled everything together I 
measured the secondary with respect to the primary to see if they were the 
same, ( in tune ) and found the secondary frequency shifted to 160 KHz. 
Should I still concentrate on tuning to the "uncoupled" resonant frequency 
of 200 KHz?

My spark gap is made of eight spark plugs in series with a vaccum moving 
air past each spark point very quickly. ( WIZZARD'z Gap )

My RF ground is 1/2" re-bar 3' into the earth.

Here is my Data;

Primary Transformer Output Voltage (VAC)
15000.0000
Primary Transformer Rated Current (AMP)
0.0600
Primary Transformer Input Frequency (HZ)
60.0000
Primary Transformer Input Voltage (VAC)
120.0000
Primary Coil Inside Diameter (IN)
4.5000
Primary Coil Wire Diameter (IN)
0.3100
Primary Coil Wire Spacing (IN)
0.2500
Primary Coil Number of Turns
14.3000
Primary Coil Angle From Horizontal Plane (DEGREES)
15.0000
Secondary Wire Diameter (IN)
0.0179
Secondary Coil Total Outside Diameter (IN)
3.5400
Length of Secondary Wire (FT)
27.1000
Secondary Wire Gauge
25.0000
Secondary Turns/Inch
53.0726
Top Load Capacitance (PF)
20.4775
Sphere Radius/Toroid Tube Diameter (IN)
4.4000
Toroid Diameter Tube Center-to-Center (IN)
14.2500

I'm sorry I don't have a web site to post my photos :-(

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/MAY-22-2003-First%20Sparks.jpg

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/May-3-2003-WizzardzSparkGap.jpg

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/WizzardsTeslaCoil.jpg

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/WizzardsVARIAC.jpg

WIZZARD