Secondary resonant frequency vs. Skin Effect

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

Original poster: "C. Kollett" <ckollett-at-falconaerosystems-dot-com> 

Hi All,

I am new to the list, but jus  twanted to warn of the low frequency which 
can be typical of a large coil. I built my first coil 28 years ago. It was 
20" diameter x 48" and easily produced a 50-60" discharge. The resonant 
frequency was 278Khz. This is actually a very low frequency and "skin 
effect" does not apply at these low freqencies. In my opinion it is the Q 
of the secondary that produces the high voltage rather than a turns ratio. 
At the time I should have focused on producing the highest Q possible 
rather than having a large number of turns (apprx 560 per memory). Anyway, 
I was accidentally hit by the main streamer with only one or two snaps, but 
it nearly killed me since the discharge went through my body rather than 
over the surface (as it would if the frequency were much higher).
I know many of you out there are very experienced.. but for anyone coming 
into this with limited experience that one must be very careful. These 
machines can toast you. I'm passing this on for  what its worth .

It's very nice to see there is an enthusiastic group on this subject. I 
want to build another coill some day. When I built mine back in 75-76 there 
was no internet and I was totally on my own.Fortunately I had a lot of 
electronic background. Im also happy to share any information on this 
subject to anyone.

CK