Re: BEST Ballast for pole pig. (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:43:45 -0700
From: Dave Leddon <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: BEST Ballast for pole pig. (fwd)

At 09:15 AM 8/14/2007, you wrote:

>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:12:33 +0000
>From: Jack King <ekklekktikk@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: BEST Ballast for pole pig. (fwd)
>
>
>Greetings Tyler and all,
>
>...There's a better way to ballast your pig - a far better way (imho) - The
>preferred device is a staple found in many neon sign production plants that
>the neonist calls - rightly so a "choke" or slide choke. This device is a
>simple variable inductor, with a large coil of wire - usually 3-4 layers of
>#10 - #6 magnet wire  and a moveable core of iron laminations (about 2" - 4"
>square and 15"-18" long). This is a brilliant way to both limit current -
>and allow you to VARY it in a stepless fashion - the other methods (like the
>spool of #12 or #10 wire leaves you no practical way to "adjust" current,
>and the old buzzbox welder is "stepped" as the coin contacts are switched.
>
>I have sold a number of these to various coilers with good results - They
>sell for between $250 $500 depending on kva, etc, You can alos check with
>local neon sign shops - and if you can speak with the "glassroom" see if
>they have a spare bombarder choke.
>
>Holler if I can help - I do have a few floating around at all times
>
>Jack King 801-604-5136

Many of the cheapo buzz-box welders employ a continuously variable shut to 
control the current.  This usually involves the use of a squeeze-handle to 
release and reposition the shunt which, while it works, is less than ideal 
for Tesla work.  For my use I replaced this handle with a threaded shaft 
which protrudes through the front panel of my controller which provides 
control of the current from 28 to 60 amps.  Here are some pictures of the 
modified welding transformer installed in my controller cabinet.
http://nick_tesla.home.comcast.net/IMG_0447.jpg
http://nick_tesla.home.comcast.net/IMG_0446.jpg
http://nick_tesla.home.comcast.net/IMG_0443.jpg
http://nick_tesla.home.comcast.net/IMG_0441.jpg

Dave Leddon
Pleasanton, CA