[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Newcomer



Original poster: Jim <branley1@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like cheap solutions for someone cheap like myself. I like the "beer bottles with salt water in white poly bucket." What is the science behind this?

Tesla list wrote:
Original poster: Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

At 09:19 PM 2/3/2007, you wrote:
Original poster: Jim <branley1@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Hello Gentleman:

My son and I would like to build a tesla coil with a 15,000V, 450VA, 30MA neon sign transformer. Does anyone have a material list that we can use to assist us in our scavenger hunt? Also any pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I have been on this mailing list for a few days and have been reading the posts and have found them to be highly invaluable.


An easy and robust spark gap at that power is laying several short (1-2") pieces of copper pipe next to each other. (the tubes are all parallel). The "two bolts as spark gap" tends to get too hot too quick and not work very well.

You need to track down capacitors. The two alternatives that are reasonable are:

#1- beer bottles with salt water in a white poly bucket (search for "bucket cap")... basically free, but bulky and it can spill

#2 - the MMC (multi mini capacitor).. a string of appropriate capacitors in series. Not just any capacitor will do here.. you need polypropylene dielectric (for low loss) and with the right construction to handle the current. Search for "MMC".... for a typical NST (neon sign transformer) buying them will cost about $30.

Toroidal topload:  metal dryer vent host and piepans are your friend






Thank You!

Jim