Re: [TCML] Handmade Vacuum Tubes Video: Build A Better 811A Mousetrap?

[drieben@xxxxxxxxxxx (David Rieben)]

Hi Neal,

Actually, a partial vacuum DECREASES the breakdown voltage
for a given gap spacing, so you would really be going the wrong
direction with this endeavor. It was brought up in a recent earlier
discussion that a blower (positive pressure) gap would probably 
outperform a sucker (negative pressure) gap for this very reason.
Of course, as you also mentioned, removal of excess heat would
also be a real issue here.

--
David Rieben

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Neal Namowicz" <neal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 

> Hi Jim, 
> Thanks! I wish some of the TC parameters were as simple to understand. One 
> more question about vacuum, as it might relate to TC's. I've seen and read 
> about a lot of different "incarnations" of spark gaps for coils. Has anyone 
> ever explored the feasibility of a vacuum gap? I've taken glass tubes, 
> connected an electrode in each end and pumped it down to about 20" Hg. 
> Running HV through it makes for some very interesting plasma streams, but 
> what about using it as a gap? I assume a couple of the biggest hurdles would 
> be the rapid build up of heat and the potential for some low level x-ray 
> production. But has it been tried? Thanks for the input, 
> 
> Neal. 
> 
> 
> > Neal Namowicz wrote: 
> >> Hi all, 
> >> Although I've yet to attempt a VTTC (let alone make my own tube!) I've 
> >> been curious about tubes, so I've been following along this thread. 
> >> I'm just wondering; what the heck is a "getter"? I saw the link, so I 
> >> thought, ok, now maybe I can figure it out, but that wasn't any help. 
> >> Thanks in advance for the info. 
> >> 
> > 
> > A getter is some reactive metal (barium, titanium, etc.) that is deposited 
> > on the inside of something you want a high vacuum in. It's sort of like 
> > flypaper or a roach motel for stray atoms. At any 
> 
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