RE: SSG's- a couple questions

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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

Hi Neal:

I think that as the number of static gap segments increase, the ease and
speed of quenching increases, but so do gap losses, so it's difficult to
say what's better.  To compound the problem, it's difficult (though
clearly not impossible) to create a few-segment gap and a many-segment
gap with identical breakdown voltages, for an A/B comparison.  OK, that
shouldn't be hard at all - I just haven't done it.  But it is essential
that the breakdown voltage be equal, or else the comparison is invalid.

I've only used NST's as power supplies.  While the party line is that
async RSG's will kill NST's, I think that's true only if one runs the
RSG speed too LOW, AND if there's no safety gap.  But I've never
personally tried an async RSG - only static and sync RSG's.  It's
possible that for higher power systems than what I've built, a high BPS
async RSG is necessary only because the gap heating gets out of hand if
using a static gap or are constrained to a 120 BPS sync RSG.

I'm not sure there's any threshold size or power above which a sync RSG
won't out-perform a static gap.  I think it probably always will, if one
sizes the cap optimally and gap width responsibly in each case.

But please just don't take my opinions and experience unquestioningly.
Build and experiment!

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> 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.
>