Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson" <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Hi Aaron,Yes, the inner ROC is the breakout level determinant from a voltage standpoint. The "surface area" sets an external C which is felt by the resonator. The capacitance of the resonator will increase and then decrease as the OD continues outward (just gets too far away from the coil itself). These haven't been really built or tested (mechanically, it's a burden to deal with).
You certainly can create a rectangular topload using round stock. It's been done using those aluminum elbows they sell at hardware stores. Nothing wrong with it at all. It gives a bit of a different look, but that's all.
Take care, Bart Tesla list wrote:
Original poster: "J. Aaron Holmes" <jaholmes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Lots of talk about big toroids. I'm wondering: It seems to me like the major factor determining breakout voltage is the *minor* diameter of the toroid, and that the *major* diameter has mostly to do with increasing the capacitance. Is that correct? If so, then why not simply create a rectangular topload using 90-degree sections of large pipe. If plastic pipe were to be used, then conductive paint could be applied. Regards, Aaron, N7OE