[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: [TCML] Spark gap
Hi Gary,
Lau, Gary wrote:
A couple of additional points not dealt with in previous responses...
1) If your power supply is indeed rated at 200mA, that's pretty beefy. Most static gaps are used at much lower power levels, and may have trouble with the current you're talking about. A rotary gap may be better here for that reason alone.
My NST is absolutely rated beyond 200mA. Definitely beefy! I don't see
how smaller current supplies suffer? As a matter of fact, the gap I use
now was first used with the NST before it was modified into a beast. The
notable difference in the gap was not due to it's "beef", but long
before when it was a simple 12/60. I don't at all understand your
statements on this point? Forgive me, but I just don't.
2) Any static gap, RQ or otherwise, is unlikely to operate at 60BPS, or 120BPS. All static gaps operate in what can only be described as a chaotic mode, with the BPS varying widely from second to second. A long-term average is typically far higher than the mains frequency, usually in the range of 150-300BPS.
I disagree (someone, shoot me now). The static gaps (RQ or otherwise)
will operate at their caps ability to charge to the breakdown voltage
and no less. This is simple. I agree that there are a lot of gaps that
will operate at much higher bps than 120 on average, but it doesn't
"have to be this way". The fact is, "it has been this way needlessly".
It is simply the rate of charge vs the arc voltage. There is nothing
else to affect this except that maybe the arc voltage is varying
(usually the cap and transformer are static and the gap status is the
variable). I've seen many "others" designs run rather fast bps and
rather low cap voltages. I always wondered "why would they do that"? It
didn't take long to realize "they didn't know any better". They simply
didn't evaluate the numbers and what they got (is what they got). BPS is
easily controlled in a static gap just as easy as an SRSG. But, if no
one "knows how", then it won't be controlled. I think this has been the
real cause of what you've stated.
A cap can only be charged at some rate by the voltage and current
feeding the cap only so fast. A gap can only arc at a given potential
based on geometry and distance. These two situations make for a rather
consistent firing voltage. But, if you don't realize this "before you
build", anything can happen, and usually higher bps is the result (at
least in the coils I've evaluated). But I have no control over another
coilers coil. All I can do is advise and try to make my case. I've done
it, and I don't see why others can't except maybe it's not that
important to them? In any respect, I'll stick to the physics and my own
experience. I also note others experience. An evaluation usually tells
the tale why.
For NST's (the only thing I have personal experience with), a sync 120BPS RSG is better than a static gap because it allows one to use a larger cap, resulting in a larger bang.
Do me the service in explaining "how" an RSG is better than a static gap
in your described situation.
In other words, "why" does an RSG allow a larger cap size?
Spark length is all about using the biggest bang possible. And it guarantees that each bang is identically and maximally sized.
Is it? Why? Sorry about that Gary, not trying to be a butt-head, however
when statements without why is made, I have to ask why or what backs up
those statements. I know where you are coming from. I'm questioning much
these days so I may seem an arrogant ass, but I'm really just trying to
get some info to back up statements.
Best regards,
Bart
Regards, Gary lau
MA, USA
-----Original Message-----
From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Rich Schmuke
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:00 PM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: [TCML] Spark gap
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