Re: RF grounding (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:35:41 -0400
From: Dave Pierson <davep@xxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: RF grounding (fwd)


>RF Grounding.. hmm in my experience it is quite overrated.  Now don't get me
>wrong, it definitely is necessary for optimal performance and safety.  But
>in my work with tesla coils it hasn't been an overwhelming difference.  I
>actually won my 8th grade science fair by comparing the operation of tesla
>coils with and without RF grounds (connected at the base of the secondary
>coil).  I will have to dig up the data, but in my results the difference was
>relatively small.
     It would be interesting to see the data/methodology.

     I suggest there is 'always' an RF ground.  A good, visible, designed
     one, or, if not, an invisible, accidental one.  The voltage will rise
     at the base, until something punches thru (I note the references to 
     counterpoise sheets sparking round the edges....).  Another 
     'incidental' ground is one provided by stray capacity between
     windings of power transformers, etc...  This may, or may not,
     involve damage to the power transformer....  Stray capacity from
     connectig wires to 'real ground' can also be effective.

     It would involve substantial effort to design a 'system without 
     a ground'.

      best
       dwp