Re: spark gap

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

Original poster: DRIEBEN-at-midsouth.rr-dot-com 

Carbon rods make great electrodes for high intensity lamps
like the ones in air-raid search lights because of the fact
that the carbon can reach great incandescence w/out substan-
tial electrode erosion. However, this incandescence is not
desireable for Tesla coil spark gaps because of the diffi-
culty in proper quenching with the very high temperatures
that are involved with incandescent electrodes. Tungsten is
by far the BEST electrode material to use for Tesla spark
gap purposes and even tungsten electrodes must be properly
quenched for the proper switching action in the primary circuit.
Brass, copper,or stainless steel is ok for low to medium powered
systems if tungsten is not available or affordable.

David Rieben


----- Original Message -----
From: Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Date: Monday, May 3, 2004 9:18 am
Subject: spark gap

 > Original poster: Jimbo07031982-at-aol-dot-com
 >
 > would  carbon rods be sufficient for a spark gap
 >
 >
 >