RE: New to this

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>

Hi Stephen:

The transformers you have are definitely on the small side of what's
typically recommended, both voltage and current-wise.  Not long ago the
prevailing wisdom was that the voltage had to be at least 5-6kV, but
many (including myself) have since built successful coils using a
4kV/20mA neon sign transformer.  My mini coil may be seen at
http://www.laushaus.com/tesla/minicoil.htm.  I suspect that 1650V may be
too low to get consistent operation from a spark gap, but I've not
personally tried with anything less than my 4kV unit.

Just to be sure, your xfmrs are in fact core-and-coil AC transformers,
not solid-state high frequency inverters, right?  I would recommend
using four of your xfmrs in a series-parallel configuration, with the
common HV lead connected to case-ground.  Have fun getting the phasing
correct!  This will give you a 3.3kV/20mA power supply, probably good
for at least 6".

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> Original poster: Stephen Timko <satimko@xxxxxxxxx>
>
> Hey everyone, I'm new to this so I was wondering if I could get as
> much help as possible.
>
> First of all, I'm a senior Electrical Engineering student at
> Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH.  We have a small group
> of people that are trying to start a school funded group interested
> in high-voltage design and testing, and recreating some of Tesla's
> experiments.  I've always been interested in Tesla Coils, but could
> never find many people local to me that had any knowledge of building
them.
>
> I just bought some transformers and I was wondering if they would be
> good ones to start with.  I'm not looking for two foot arcs or
> anything super impressive like that, just to keep in mind.  The
> transformers I just bought are 120Vac input, with 1650 Vac output at
> 10mA.  I have 6 of them, so wiring for additional current if needed
> is not a problem.
>
> If anyone could give me an idea of what to really look for, I would
> appreciate it.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
> Stephen Timko
>