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Re: Problems with Information Unlimited transformer

Original poster: Shaun Epp <scepp@xxxxxxx>

From what I remember, they only use a choke to limit RF back to the transformer.

Matt,

Your quickest solution to this would be to go out a buy a good used neon sign transformer, 10 Kv at 30 mA. When you connect it to your system, make sure that your tesla coil primary is not grounded as this would short out half of the transformer. I believe that the BTC3 does use a grounded primary.

Information Unlimited might replace the transformer, I don't know because I've never returned anything to them, but they seem resonable.

Shaun Epp

----- Original Message ----- From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: Problems with Information Unlimited transformer


Original poster: "Dr. Resonance" <resonance@xxxxxxxxxx>




What type of protective circuit did you employ between the power xmfr and
the oscillator tank circuit?

Dr. Resonance
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 6:25 PM
Subject: Problems with Information Unlimited transformer


> Original poster: Lkeen89@xxxxxxx
>
> I'm building the BTC3 Tesla coil from Information Unlimited, and tonight
we
> did the first test run of the HV wiring. This step kinda pertains to my
> situation, so I'll cite it here:
>
> 20: Open up spark gap or place a piece of insulating material between
> electrodes to prevent firing. Verify proper assembly and plug unit into
> 115VAC three wire grounded outlet. Check action of S1 (The main power
> switch), and note the neon indicator light lighting. (It did) Quickly
short
> out the spark gap electrode attached to the capacitor to the chassis
ground
> with the safety probe. Note a loud noisy bright discharge (It did.) Only
do
> this momentarily, as it subjects the components to unusual stress, and
only
> serves to verify proper operation up to this point.
>
> (The actual primary/secondary coils were not attached.)
> (The actual coils are not concerned in this problem. All talk about > coils
> is referring to the transformer.)
>
> Now, here's my problem: As soon as we flipped the switch, there was a > bit
> of sparking inside the secondary of the transformer. We ran through the
> test as far as grounding it, and it worked just fine, except for the
> sparking in the transformer. We then shut everything down and attempted > to
> ground the capacitor again to discharge it, to see if it had any > residual
> charge. There was no spark. We were kinda concerned about the spark > inside
> of the transformer, so we turned the coil on again and the transformer
> started to produce smoke, and there was an orange glow inside of the
> secondary of the transformer. We tried step 20 again, to ground the
> capacitor, but with no results. Are there any suggestions as to what > might
> be the problem? I feel that there was an internal problem with the
> transformer, as we have gone through the wiring several times to verify
its
> accuracy. The coil itself is due next week for a physics project. Could
> anyone provide any insight? Thanks, Matt Keen.
>
>
>
>