[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: [TCML] Greenhorn Coiler
Good question. What you want is a 120vac/60Hz neon sign transformer, AKA luminous tube transformer, AKA gaseous tube transformer. Newer NSTs are equipped with electronic GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter). Older NSTs don't have it. You're better off without GFCI, so try to obtain an obsolete NST.
Avoid electronic neon sign power supplies. These are typically much smaller, lighter, and cheaper than real NSTs. They resemble the little corded power supply "bricks" used to power video game consoles, printers, and scanners. They are also useless for coiling.
US NSTs suitable for coiling have standard output voltages of 4kv, 5kv, 6kv, 7.5kv, 9kv, 10.5kv, 12kv, and 15kv. The most common output currents are 30mA and 60mA. You might come across a 25mA or a 120mA unit, but these are far less common.
For a beginner, I suggest a unit of 7.5kv or higher, 30mA or 60mA, non-GFCI. These are reasonably common and affordable on ebay. Read the fine print and make sure it has 120vac input because there are a few NSTs out there that require 240vac or 277vac input. The brand is not important. Pay attention to shipping costs though. Real NSTs are very heavy.
Cheers,
Greg
--- On Tue, 6/10/08, Nicholas J. Goble <ngoble@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: Nicholas J. Goble <ngoble@xxxxxxx>
> Subject: [TCML] Greenhorn Coiler
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008, 4:06 PM
> I'm beginning to plan my first tesla coil. I've
> looked through many
> sites over the internet and can't find any concrete
> information on the
> transformer needed. I know this is a broad question, but
> can someone
> please explain the type of transformer that I need. I
> don't want to
> buy something that's not going to work on a tesla coil.
>
> I'm leaning more towards an NST because I've read
> that the alternative
> needs oil (OBIT) and that seems like a hassle to deal with.
>
> Here are a few questions that I have:
>
> 1) What size transformer should I get?
> 2) What does RMS mean?
> 3) Is there anything specific that I need to know when
> buying a
> transformer?
> 4) Does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should get
> and where I
> could get it?
>
> Thanks
>
> Nicholas Goble
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla