Original poster: "resonance" <resonance@xxxxxxxxxxxx>It might work, but copper with it's high conductiviity, and lower resistance, offers much better performance. Also, better heat dispersion to aid quenching. Conductivity, especially at high frequencies, requires low resistance values for peak current. Keeping all elements in the pri RF "tank" circuit of a low resistance is good engineering practice.
Quenching refers to the "opening of the switch" which traps energy in the secondary. Most systems actually transfer energy rapidly back and forth between pri and sec systems, usually 2-5 times before quenching, e.g., spark gap shutoff, finally traps it in the secondary. Quenching refers to a rapid shutoff of the sparkgap. Heat is detrimental to quenching as the electrodes quickly heat up to near red hot on small cross sectional areas. 3 inch long sections of 1" dia. copper pipe spreads the heat over a large area and aids quenching. With a small neon transformer you can use 3/4 inch dia. copper pipe --- probably pick up a cutoff section from a local plumber for reasonable cost.
Dr. Resonance ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 10:05 PM Subject: Copper VS Steel
Original poster: Jim <branley1@xxxxxxxxxxx> Hi Folks:I do appreciate the great assistance with my tesla coil that I have received from you.Can I get your opinion on a few things?1) Can I use 1" EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) for my spark gap instead of 1" copper pipe?2) Can I use zinc coated bolts and nuts for my secondary instead of brass bolts and nuts? Zinc is what most bolts, nuts & washers are coated with.3) What does the term quenching refer to when speaking about spark gaps? Thanks for the informative help! Jim