Re: static spark gaps

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Neal Namowicz <mr_neal@xxxxxxxxxxxx>


Thank you to everyone for your input. It's interesting how I look at "junk"
nowadays. You know the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure". I
asked about the surface area because in my perpetual scrounging I came across
some old brass drawer pulls, almost flat across the top, and about an inch
across. But instead of seeing furniture hardware, I thought, "hmm, spark gap?"
Well, since it's too darn cold in the Chicago area right now to go outside for
ANY reason, I think it's time to catch up on some trinkering downstairs. Happy
sparking, and thanks again,
Neal.

>
> In a message dated 2/2/07 1:22:14 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
>
>> >Original poster: Neal Namowicz
>> ><mr_neal@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> >
>> >Hi guys,
>> >I've got a couple questions re: static spark gaps.
>> >First, what difference does
>> >it make regarding how much surface area is exposed
>> >for the gap? Specifically,
>> >which is better, less or more?
>
>
> Neil,
>
> Large surface area is *good*.  It also helps if it's a flat
> surface area so the spark can move around and heat
> various areas rather than concentrating the heat at
> one area.  A cylindrical shape can be used so the
> spark can at least move along a line.  The worst
> situation is to use balls or any spherical shape which
> concentrates the heat at one spot.  Such heating
> may make it difficult for the gap to quench.  However
> air flow can help the quenching.
>
> Also, can a ssg be
>
>> >"over" quenched?
>
>
> It depends on how you define over-quenching.  If you define
> it as simply too much air to work well, then yes.  In this
> case it really isn't over-quenching, rather the air prevents
> the gap from firing steadily.  If you define over-quenching
> as truly quenching too quickly (for example before the
> 1st notch of RF transfer.... this won't happen.
>
>
> At the
>
>> >moment I'm using a blower that was scavenged from an
>> >old air-hockey table.
>> >Should I use a dimmer switch to vary the speed,
>> >since it does seem to move a
>> >lot of air? Thanks in advance for any advice!
>
>
> Yes, it's good to be able to vary the speed if the dimmer
> will work well in that application.
>
> John
>
>> >
>> >Neal.
>
>
>
>

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