Hi Rich,Rotary gaps can process greater power than static gaps (unless you build a garbage rotary [and I've built at least 3 of those in the past]). But, the line between the two is dependent on the power capability of the static gap. As long as the static gap can process the power efficiently, there is no performance increase. However, as you increase power, there is a point where the static gap will degrade. Then, a rotary is certainly the way to go and even rotary gaps have their limitations based on their components.
For example, my rotary on Electrum would melt in a few seconds. But at 10 to 15 kva on my coils works fine.
In my opinion, build good static gaps and good rotary gaps to handle the power. I think we all play with both types along our coiling experience. The propeller gap is neat in that it is an easy way to build a rotary. Just use good electrodes like tungsten. The larger the better. Price increases with size. HP increase with size also.
But static gaps can be built to perform well also. I have a nice G10/pure tungsten rotary but I don't use it on my smaller coil which runs about 3 kva. The reason I don't is that my static gap does the job just fine. If it didn't, I would hook up a rotary gap.
Let your coil decide what type of gap to build. How much power are you planning to run?
Take care, Bart Rich Schmuke wrote:
I am going to ask a simple question but please give a simple answer. I am not a EE just a builder. I was asking about a rotor gap the other day and it was suggested I try a propeller gap for my 200ma coil. Well I have a motor from a 8" hard drive now and am going to build a mount as soon as it is warm enough to get to my shed. My question is why is a propeller at 3600 RPM better than a RQ copper tube gap? 60 cycle RQ vs a 3600RPM it's the same break rate I think.Rich _______________________________________________ Tesla mailing list Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
_______________________________________________ Tesla mailing list Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla