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Re: I'm a newbie coiler!
Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi Steve,
Congradulations on your new hobby. You've come the the right place
for info/help/etc
Original poster: "Steve Ziuchkovski" <smz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
So, I've finally taken the first step and bought the first big piece
of my new hobby, the neon sign transformer.
It's a Magnetek 15kv 30ma transfomer. The information on eBay says
the part number is 721-111-400, and the label information is that
it's a 120v, 60 Hz, 450VA, 30mA transformer. However, I can't find a
datasheet on the net for it. Anyone have any information?
What you have is all the info you need (ie, 15KV, 30ma, and 450VA)
If my research and knowledge is correct, this baby puts out 15kv at
30ma, which comes out to 450w. Draws about 3.75 amps from the wall.
If I short the secondary terminals together, nothing untowards will
happen as long as the mains circuit can provide 3.75 amps without
blowing breakers or fuses or melting the wiring at this rating, right?
Essentially correct -- 15KV is open circuit voltage, 30ma is short
circuit current, and whether the 450VA is watts or not depends on the
load. The NST is current limited so no worry about short circuiting
it. This is normal operation for neon signs. The 3.75 amps assumes
the output is driving short circuit.
For my first project, I plan to hook this up for a Jacob's Ladder -
effectively shorting the secondary. Any issues associated with this?
No, other than the obvious safety issues.
I've read the safety sheet (at
<http://www.pupman.com/safety.htm>www.pupman.com/safety.htm),
Great!
As far as the tesla coil plans go - I read an article at
<http://www.nutsvolts.com/PDF_Files/tesla.pdf>http://www.nutsvolts.com/PDF_Files/tesla.pdf,
and this seems like a pretty simple article for a pretty simple
design. However, it's missing some details that I think I might
like. Can someone point me to a better article or web site?
http://www.richieburnett.co.uk/tesla.shtml
This is the best site for learning that I've seen.
I'd also like to be able to make some meaurements on the resulting hardware.
Best way to learn. Scope, HV probe, signal source, DMM will be of
great use. JAVATC is also a great design tool:
http://www.classictesla.com/java/javatc.html
Where can I find information on measuring the
frequencies/voltages/currents present in a tesla coil? How do I go
about making HV probes and such, and overcoming the interference I'd
be getting by having this circuitry in proximity to my tesla coil,
when it's built?
Look in the archieves first. Tons of info
http://www.pupman.com/
Good luck,
Gerry R.