secondaries and caps

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: ben eells <squeels2171@xxxxxxxxx>

I'm sure this subject has probably been discussed here several times, 
but I haven't been able to find the answers I'm looking for. When 
designing a coil, what dictates the length, diameter, and wire gauge 
of your secondary, and how do you go about finding a capacitor that 
will work best with your transformer? I'm sure many people here have 
varying opinions on what works best so I would like to hear them. 
I've found length to width ratios of 4/1 or 3/1 but nothing saying "x 
diameter works best with y setup." The best answer I've found for the 
cap question is to consult a tesla coil design program, which is good 
advice, but I'd like to know the science behind it. Thanks.