Re: [TCML] new pole pig ballast

[sparktron01@xxxxxxxxxxx]

John 

I did very similar thing in early 90's, used 2 fixed SS plates 
and 1 movable plate between fixed plates 
raised and lowered by a lead screw turned 
by a windshield wiper motor. Trash can was considerably 
smaller then yours (about 5 gal). Worked fine, actually ran 
over 7kW through trashcan until significant steam was 
being vented from top to container. 

Resistive ballasting is more lossy then reactive 
ballasting; but is "bone-head" simple, very low cost/kW of 
controlled power, and capable of tremendous overloads 
without catastrophic failure. That's why it was used heavily 
in early (turn of 20th century) electric railroad/traction power 
controls. And, in my opinion, one he$$ of a lot easier to 
fabricate then an adjustable reactor, of equivalent 
power throughput. 

Regards 
Dave Sharpe, TCBOR/HEAS 
Chesterfield, VA, USA 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Forcina" <forcijo10@xxxxxxxxx> 
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 2:40:53 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: [TCML] new pole pig ballast 

good day coilers, a couple days ago i finally tested my new resistive pole 
pig ballast. It is basically a trash can filled with water and 2 electrodes 
inserted into it. The current is controlled via a sliding piece of pipe. I 
add baking soda to decrease the resistance. Here is a video 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Vt4HeKFQ0&feature=channel_page and here is 
a pic of the setup 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25967047@N07/3436525278/sizes/l/ I don't know 
what the voltage drop is yet but i will test that soon. Just thought i 
would share the success i had with you guys such a simple setup. 
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