[TCML] USB-powered Tesla Coil

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>]

No, I don't have one.  But my wife found an interesting gift for me this year - a USB-powered plasma globe.  It's actually quite nice - the globe is about the size of a conventional light bulb, with a power cable that plugs into the base, labeled 5V/300mA, and the other end having a USB plug on it.  Nearly on par with the TheOnion.com USB-powered toaster faux product, except that this is real.  See http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/964e/

So, this got me thinking if this couldn't be extended to an actual USB-powered spark-making Tesla coil?  While the available power should be adequate, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with the prospect of RF-ground return current being routed through my USB port.  Maybe this is a good use for that old P2 dinosaur in the basement.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA
_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla