SSG's- a couple questions

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Neal Namowicz" <mr_neal@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Hi all, I've been tinkering with coils for a couple years now, as 
well as following the tcml, but have finally decided to come to you 
with a couple of questions re: static spark gaps.
First, I've seen so many configurations that I have to ask; are more 
gaps preferable for better results, instead of just one or two? Has 
anyone actually gotten better results (given all else being equal) 
with X number of multiple gaps? In case you're wondering, I am 
quenching with a small blower fan. My present SG is using a two gap system.
Secondly, how "big" can one go with a coil before it'd be advisable 
to go the rotary gap route, vs. the SSG? By big, I mean, secondary 
size as well as power input.
I just had some rather odd, unexpected results with my 4" the other 
day. I was getting some fairly decent arcs using my single 15kv/60 
nst, with arcs beginning at as low as 30% input from the variac. So 
naturally, using the "Tim the toolman Taylor" mentality of more power 
(ugh-ugh :) I decided to connect my nst farm of 6 (yeah, 6) 9/30's 
connected in parallel. I started cranking up the power and got 
nothing 'til I was at about 80%, but the safety gap starting going 
off on me and the arcs weren't any better, if even as good as with 
the single 15/60.
I thank you all in advance for your wisdom and advice, and look 
forward to your replies.

Neal.