Re: Jonathon's 6" Coil (fwd) -> Streamer length to voltage (fwd)

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:52:08 -0700
From: Barton B. Anderson <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Jonathon's 6" Coil (fwd) -> Streamer length to voltage (fwd)

Hi D.C.,

>I also used Terry F's antenna system to do voltage calibration at 8 ft.  We 
>used a 200 kV steady DC power supply on the toroid to get the base readings.
>  
>
Your talking about the planewave antenna. Yes, calibration is a must in 
order to correlate the scope readings to an actual value. Sounds like 
you had a means of doing this accurately.

>I really am convinced this is quite accurate.  There was nearly perfect 
>correlations minus a percent for experimental error.
>  
>
It does sound accurate. The concern was correlating a spark length value 
to a top volt value may not be accurate. For single point discharge 
maybe, but when a coiler says I got "x length", he's almost never 
referring to a single point discharge (just average free air spark 
lengths over successive bangs).

> <>but the electrostatic field voltage meter really does not load the 
> system appreciably.

Using the planewave is probably ideal. As long as it is a good distance 
from the resonator it wouldn't load the system. The calibration for this 
type of antenna is what is necessary and it sounds like you had the 
means to do that. I use my planewave for measurements, but calibrating 
it for top volts would be a challenge for me without the right equipment.

By chance, did you happen to take base current measurements at the same 
time that you did the testing? Paul might be interested in that data.

Take care,
Bart