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Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs



Hi Bert,

Yes, the transformer itself is all that's driving this JL - no
additional capacitance than the natural parasitic capaci-
tance of the transformer's internal wiring itself. It's not at
all hard to "start" a JL with >100 kV of available firing
voltage ;^) The "starting point" of this JL is about 8 1/8"
apart!

David Rieben

----- Original Message ----- From: "Bert Hickman" <bert.hickman@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:08 AM
Subject: Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs


Hi Tony,

The video that David Rieben discussed in his latest post shows similar "snappiness" to the arc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dLTEOM3qQc

The higher voltages of X-ray transformers increases the effect of parasitic capacitance on Jacobs Ladders, making them sound quite nasty even without any other lumped C across the gap. A small HV cap across the gap in an NST also helps raise the open circuit voltage, making it easier to restart the arc at the base of the ladder. It's a bit harder on the NST however.

Re: coins & Stuff - they are an oddity for sure. BTW, we'll be appearing in an upcoming issue of Coin World Magazine, and our Lichtenbergs are now on the cover of the latest Edmund Scientific catalog.

Do you still making Geissler tube replicas? The one you traded for is still very beautiful!

Best wishes,

Bert
--
***************************************************
We specialize in UNIQUE items! Coins shrunk by huge
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Lightning") and out of print technical Books. Visit
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Sfxneon@xxxxxxx wrote:
Hello Bert,
Appreciate all the suggestions! I really like the one about using a small capacitance across the secondary to add a little SNAP! I'll give it a try. Do you still have that xenon plasma tube that I traded to you for the shrunken coins? I still have the coins and they never fail to amaze people!
 Thanks,
 Tony

In a message dated 5/27/2008 10:04:02 A.M. Central Daylight Time, bert.hickman@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

Hi Tony,

Some suggestions:

1. Use a wide "V" to more rapidly spread the arc. The higher the current the wider the end gap should be
2. Use inductive ballasting for best performance
3. Use smooth rails to avoid incandescent "hot spots" that will cause the arc roots to temporarily hang in one spot. I'd recommend using 3/4" hard copper pipe or non-magnetic stainless steel tubing. Periodically remove any oxide buildup. I suspect the oxidation of the galvanizing may a major part of the problem you're seeing. 4. Enclose on 4 sides to reduce disruption by air currents. Leave top AND bottom portion open to permit vertical air flow. Be sure to leave plenty of clearance on either side of the gap, especially for a higher current ladder. 5. For grins, try connecting a small (500 - 1000 pF) HV doorknob cap across the gap to make for "snappier" performance at start and at long arc lengths.

Good luck,

Bert
**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
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