contact spark gap

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Scott Bogard" <teslas-intern@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Hi everybody.
    Since everybody is talking about spark gaps, I figured I'd throw 
out an idea I've had rolling around in my head for a while.  A spark 
gap has losses in the spark, but solid state cannot handle the raw 
power a spark can (not yet anyway), so what if we eliminate the 
losses by having direct contact, and eliminate the power issue by 
dumping the semiconductors?  Here is my idea, take a rotary spark 
gap, and cut the disk mounted electrodes flush with the disk surface, 
then mount brass bushings between two shafts, pinching the disk 
between them.  As the disk turns it will make contact with the 
bushings and complete the tank circuit, dumping loads of power into 
the primary.  The obvious problem with this is it will arc before it 
rolls over the contact defeating the whole purpose, but my thinking 
is you could use a smaller rod to increase "quenching" and submerge 
the whole thing in mineral oil to keep stuff cool and cut down on 
spark, but you will need a really tough motor.  Has anybody out there 
tried this already?  would there be any benefit?  would it be as 
difficult to build as I think it would be?  Just curious, thank you much.
Scott Bogard.

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