Re: [TCML] Spark gap comparisons

[bartb <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi John,

FutureT@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Bart,
>  
> If the arc distance doesn't affect gap losses, then yes that would  explain
> the results I saw.  What is this new static gap that you built?  
My static gap is actually old at this point. It's nothing special. It's 
simply a pvc tube epoxied to a high cfm squirrel cage style fan. The 
electrodes are 1.25" diameter and epoxied to another pvc form which 
happens to fit really snug into the pvc tube epoxied to the fan. This 
allows me to remove it if wanted (haven't removed it in the last year 
however). Really simple actually. What this particular gap is capable of 
is running a rather high kw of power. I've run 3kw on this small 4.5" 
diameter coil with this simple RQ static gap for about 30 minutes 
continuous with any degradation of spark length. That scenario is not 
often performed by coilers including myself. But a few months ago, I let 
it run continuous for 30 minutes.

The gap remained at a regulated temperature the entire period. The NST 
used is a modified 12/60 Franceformer which ended up at a 10.6kv at 
250mA Franceformer with several shunts removed. The NST is simply 
capable of higher power now. Nothing magic. Spark lengths on this coil 
are due to the higher power (nothing magic there). But, the gap is what 
surprised me the most. I was surprised it could handle the power, but it 
did and still does. My little 4.5" coil sparks are always the same 
(today or 4 months ago). The gap is simply well regulated with air 
keeping the temp regular which keeps the spark length regular.

http://www.classictesla.com/photos/ba45/ba45.html

So, it's not a new static gap at all. It's just we regulated and that 
makes the difference between a good and bad static gap.

Bart

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