Re: DRSS-XXX? (Cost of SGTC vs. SSTC)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Paul B. Brodie" <pbbrodie@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Terry,
I really appreciate you taking the time to enlighten us on the expenses, 
trials, and tribulations of DRSSTC building and development. Your 
description is very enlightening. Although I would dearly love to get to 
the point where I could build a DRSSTC, I can see now that unless prices 
get reduced drastically somehow, it will forever be out of my reach. Maybe 
I can model one someday on my computer and try and enjoy that. Regards.
Paul
Think Positive

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <<mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <<mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 17, 2005 2:49 PM
Subject: Re: DRSS-XXX? (Cost of SGTC vs. SSTC)

> Original poster: Terry Fritz 
<<mailto:teslalist@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>teslalist@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Hi,
>
> At 10:35 AM 4/17/2005, you wrote:
> .............
>
>>Hi Dan, All,
>>
>>     While this is true in the extremes, and special circumstances, I
>> believe that it creates a false general impression. I think it is fair to
>> say that the average cost of an SG coil is less than the average cost of
>> an SS coil of the SAME power and general construction. There is also the
>> added fact that a working SG coil can be built with visits to the
>> hardware store and/or a junk yard, while an SS coil requires one or more
>> of these:
>>
>>1) You have a larger bankroll
>>2) You work in the electronics industry and thus can get free samples or
>>play "stockroom shrinkage". ;-))
>>3)  You are located where you can dive in the electronics industry's
>>dumpsters.
>>
>>Test equipment which is optional for a SG coil is mandatory for an SS one.
>>The precision diagnostic equipment for tuning and adjusting my first 4 SG
>>coils were an analog multimeter, and oscillator, and later, two LEDs. I
>>would not recommend trying to build and adjust an SS coil without a decent
>>scope.
>>     For the average newbie or neophyte, I believe that the "classic TC"
>> still yields the best ratio of (spark-inch)/(dollar*manhour).
>>
>>For 2 cents plain,
>>Matt D.
>>
>
> If one looks over my DRSSTC's parts and prices at:
>
> 
<http://drsstc.com/~terrell/partslist/MasterPartsList.pdf>http://drsstc.com/~terrell/partslist/MasterPartsList.pdf
>
> One can get a pretty good idea of how much stuff costs.  Everything was new
> off-the-shelf.
>
> One could probably cut the power filter to $100 and dig up the chassis
> parts for about another $100.  A simple remote control with wire for say
> $10.  You "could" take out the protection but I think it would pay for
> itself rather fast so that's $50.  the rest is $250 in hard electronics
> that you really need.  So it could be made for about 500+
> dollars.  Probably $700 buy the time the bugs are worked out.  Of course,
> things can be "found" cheaper too...  I think I spent about $2000 total,
> but there was a lot of R&D, "fancy stuff", and revised board stuff going on
> there.
>
> But you do need a fairly good understanding of how everything works and how
> to put it together.  So an electronics background or good knowledge is
> pretty needed.  One would need a scope.  Current monitors can be made cheap.
>
> Of course, one can go out and make a SG coil for less than $100 with a
> little digging and the technology is super well known and available.
>
> So I think the DRSSTC is for those that "have the calling".  I certainly
> would not recommend them to just anyone entering the hobby.  Of course,
> Jimmy and Steve are not exactly "old timers", but I think Jimmy's dad is an
> EE and Steve has the details down solid.
>
> So the DRSSTC my not be for everyone, but those that are interested should
> be able to find the details they need to decide.  Dan's book is super cool
> so it is the first step ($35 more dollars ;-)).
>
> 
<http://www.easternvoltageresearch.com/sstc_publication.htm>http://www.easternvoltageresearch.com/sstc_publication.htm
>
>
> BTW - I think DRSSTs are still "Tesla coils" since they look just like
> Tesla coils ;-))
>
> 
<http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/P3220011.JPG>http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/P3220011.JPG
>
> You can see the typical Gap, MMC, NST, etc. power deck to the rear
> right.  That has changed to the black box here:
>
> 
<http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/P3220012.JPG>http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/P3220012.JPG
>
> In a way, the DRSSTC is more "Tesla coil like" than tube and CW coils since
> it's sparks are pretty much just the same as a Spark Gap Tesla coils.
>
> 
<http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/FirstFullRun-03.jpg>http://drsstc.com/~terrell/pictures/FirstFullRun-03.jpg
>
> Cheers,
>
>         Terry
>
>