Re: PVC vs. sonotube, (was wondering ) (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: List moderator <mod1@xxxxxxxxxx>



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 13:15:40 EDT
From: FutureT@xxxxxxx
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: PVC vs. sonotube, (was wondering )

 
In a message dated 6/3/2007 12:01:37 P.M. US Eastern Standard Time,  
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

> Hi  all,
>      I know the best material to use as a coil  form would be either HDPE 
or styrene, but if pvc is the best available  choice,  would milling grooves 
lenthwise down the form make it less  lossy?   I'm sure it would be a pain in 
the butt to do, but wonder  if it would be worth the trouble.
>      Also,  I  cannot seem to find info on whether a sonotube would be a 
better choiice to  reduce losses in the form.
>    Mike



Mike,
 
In reality, PVC is not very lossy for TC use.  You won't see any  difference 
in performance using PVC 
vs. styrene in a disruptive TC.  Even for a tube coil, which is more  
sensitive to losses, you
probably won't see a difference in performance.  The biggest potential  
problem with PVC
is carbon tracking and burning.  This only occurs if the coil is  overcoupled 
or subject to
flashovers, arcing, etc.  Some folks advocate baking and sealing the  pvc to 
keep moisture
out.  In 90% of the cases, folks don't bother with that.  So to  answer your 
question milling
grooves is not worth the trouble.   Sonotube can be very bad  depending on 
how it's made.
I tried it for a tube coil and it got hot.  Performance was  miserable.
 
John



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