Capacitor over-volted and failed

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

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


If you run the circuit without the sec in place the potential rises to Q x
Vpri.   In the primary circuit with an efficient cap, low inductance, and
low inductance primary you have no load on the primary circuit.  There is no
where for the energy to go.  The very hi-Q factor of this circuit will
produce overpotentials high enough to destroy the cap.  In short, you
destroyed your cap because you did not know this information.

A mechanical equivalent would be putting your car in neutral, and then
flooring your accelerator.  With no where for the power to go, ie, no load,
your engine will be damaged.

Under those conditions PCI will not replace your cap.

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: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 5:52 PM
Subject: Re: Capacitor died...i think


 > Original poster: "Dr. Resonance" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com>
 >
 >
 > What was your total spark gap setting in inches?
 >
 > Call PCI --- ask for Beau Meskin (Pres./owner).  He takes a personal
 > interest in TCers and will probably have you return it for analysis.
After
 > analysis, if it's a factory defect, he will probably send you a new one
 > without charge.  Tell him you talked to D.C. Cox.
 >
 > Dr. Resonance
 >
 > Resonance Research Corporation
 > E11870 Shadylane Rd.
 > Baraboo   WI   53913
 >  > Well, my tesla coil was running pretty good.....no overheating,
everything
 >  > in balance.  Using a 15kv  30 ma NST as input and getting 22" sparks.
the
 >  > tank capacitor was commercial from Plastic Capacitors.   I havent had
any
 >  > problems untill i ran the primary coil by itself.  I believe that the
 >  > capacitor has died and im not sure how to test it.......anyone have any
 >  > suggestions.
 >
 >
 >