Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson" <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Hi Phil,As long as the gap is parallel to the transformer, I can't see a charge remaining. But, what if the gap was hooked in series on one or even both legs (between caps and primary)? Then as the last cap conducted at turn off, the opposite cap would remain with a charge. In that situation, it is likely there would always be one of the caps charged (and you would never really know which one). That type of circuit would require an external bleeder for safety.
This must have been the circuit where statements of remaining charge are referred to. Obviously it's not a good idea if that was the case as it creates an unnecessary lethal condition in the circuit. Parallel the gap and both caps will be discharged through the transformer.
Take care, Bart
I understand that, and I agree with the point WRT "Case 2" being better than "Case 1". But why does "Case 3" behave any differently from "Case 2"? FWIW, Richard Hulls notes indicate that "Case 3", the "Equi-Drive", isdefinitely preferable. This was a setup that Tesla advocated. However, Hull wrotethat the "Equi-Drive" system was more prone to leave a charge on the primary cap without bleed down. Again, I don't see why. -Phil LaBudde