. . . my recollection is that Tesla described a (hypothetical) 'working' transmission coil as 'surrounded by pale violet glow', NOT the flashy sparks.
A little grist for the mill:". . . For example, a conductor or terminal, to which impulses such as those here considered are supplied, but which is otherwise insulated in space and is remote from any conducting-bodies, is surrounded by a luminous flame-like brush or discharge often covering many hundreds or even as much as several thousands of square feet of surface, this striking phenomenon clearly attesting the high degree of conductivity which the atmosphere attains under the influence of the immense electrical stresses to which it is subjected. This influence is however, not confined to that portion of the atmosphere which is discernible by the eye as luminous and which, as has been the case in some instances actually observed, may fill the space within a spherical or cylindrical envelop of a diameter of sixty feet or more, but reaches out to far remote regions, the insulating qualities of the air being, as I have ascertained, still sensibly impaired at a distance many hundred times that through which the luminous discharge projects from the terminal and in all probability much farther. The distance extends with the increase of the electromotive force of the impulses, with the diminution of the density of the atmosphere, with the elevation of the active terminal above the ground, and also, apparently, in slight measure, with the degree of moisture contained in the air. I have likewise observed that this region of decidedly-noticeable influence continuously enlarges as time goes on, and the discharge is allowed to pass not unlike a conflagration which slowly spreads, this being possibly due to the gradual electrification or ionization of the air or to the formation of less insulating gaseous compounds. . . ." SYSTEM OF TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY, Sept. 2, 1897, U.S. Patent No. 645,576, Mar. 20, 1900.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Pierson" <davep@xxxxxxxx>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:52 AM Subject: Re: [TCML] flourescent light trick
that is exactly what I am saying, the part I do not understand is why the tube all but "shuts off" when I touch it to the ground while using a breakout point,Different levels of energy available to the lamps. cf as below.but if I am not using a breakout point,This increases the available power (roughly speaking....)it roughly doubles in brightness (I am always holding the tube in my hand, one end on the ground)!I believe i concur with Gary's explantion, which matches my understandingof the physics.The terminal voltage (which relates to radiated power) is different in each case. With a break outpoint attached, the voltage is lower, due to the load created by the streamer from the breakout point. This lowering of the terminal voltage reduces the 'radiated' (and also: capacitively coupled) power available to light the lamp. Additionally, the energy that goes into thebreakout point streamer is NOT available to light the lamp.With NO breakout point, terminal voltage rises: less (no?) energy is wastedin streamers, more is available for lighting the lamp.(As it happens, recently, by coincidence, with my small coil set up for Halloween,i ran sort of the same exercise, got essentially the same result.)While it is 'common' to associate Tesla Coils with lotsa flashy sparks, my recollection is that Tesla described a (hypothetical) 'working' transmissioncoil as 'surrounded by pale violet glow', NOT the flashy sparks.Are you saying that the tube glows brighter if a breakout point is not used, and is dimmer if a breakout point is used? This makes sense, as running without a breakout point permits the topload to achieve a higher voltage, resulting in a greater E-field. Neat observation if I understand correctly - I've not tried that!I didn't understand the consequences of grounding vs. hand-holding the tube. Two variables here.bestdwp
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