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Re: [TCML] Information confirmation
--- On Thu, 6/19/08, daniel lee <leedanieljoseph@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: daniel lee <leedanieljoseph@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [TCML] Information confirmation
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 2:18 PM
> I've been talking theory with my coworkers and i want to
> confirm some info;
>
>
>
> 1. Magnet wire is single strand and is insulated by enamel,
> but is otherwise
> the same as more common materials.
Magnet wire is a single strand of copper (or sometimes aluminum) coated with a very thin layer of insulating enamel. It is a very common industrial material used in the fabrication of transformers, speakers, relays, motors, generators, alternators, lamp ballasts, CRT yokes, etc., etc... I consider it one of the LEGO blocks of our civilization.
>
>
>
> 2. Magnet wire can be acquired by cannibalizing
> transformers, motors, and
> the like.
True, but this can be an iffy proposition. Many magnet wire coils are coated with varnish and/or "baked" after winding to make the coil hold its shape and stay tight for keeps. Unwinding such a coil can cause the insulation to flake off, especially if it has been degraded by age and heat. If I'm going to put my time and effort into a TC secondary, I'm only going to use new, spooled wire.
>
>
>
> 3. It is possible to construct a Tesla coil using normal
> single strand wire,
> only the size of the secondary will change due to larger
> insulation. Maybe
> use Teflon insulation for better heat tolerance.
Sure. You can use plastic insulated single or multistrand wire. The turns-per-inch (and inductance) will be lots lower than magnet wire, however. As a consequence, the resonant frequency of said secondary will be higher.
>
>
> Also, a random stupid question: could a Tesla coil be
> powered by a voltage
> multiplier instead of a transformer? Why or why not?
Any high voltage current source capable of charging the tank cap can be used as a TC power supply--at least in theory. I once saw a design in a magazine that used the rectified output of a car ignition coil to power a medium-sized TC in sort of a rapid-fire single shot mode. Instead of the familiar "BRRAAATTTTT" of a roaring spark gap coil, it was more of a "SNAP!...SNAP!...SNAP!..." Really though, Tesla coils are current hogs. They need lots of milliamps to produce a satisfying display. A hobby-grade transformer-less multiplier is unlikely to produce adequate current. For a first effort, go with an NST power supply. It's lots easier that way and you're more likely to get good results.
Cheers,
Greg
>
> Thanks for the knowledge,
> Daniel
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