Re: [TCML] Sculpture with Tesla coils

[G Hunter <dogbrain_39560@xxxxxxxxx>]

Very interesting project!  Great questions too.  I can tell you've put a lot of thought into this.  I hope you don't mind if I respond with a question or two of my own.  Is this to be an outdoor venue and do you plan on daytime viewing?  I'm asking this because Tesla coil discharges are difficult to see in sunlight or bright indoor light.  To have any sort of visual impact, viewing should be in low light or in darkness.  Before you commit to this project, you should locate a Tesla coil of the desired performance class (4 to 5 foot arcs) and arrange a sunlit or brightly indoor lit demonstration of said coil.

Good Luck,

Gregory R. Hunter

--- On Thu, 12/3/09, Mary Jane Mansfield <mjm_oceanwave@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> From: Mary Jane Mansfield <mjm_oceanwave@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [TCML] Sculpture with Tesla coils
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 1:47 PM
> Hello Tesla coilers — 
> I am an artist using water and electricity to create
> sculpture. Often using light bulbs under water in buckets
> and jars. There is a new concept I have in mind that I would
> love to bring to life. 
> This will require building or buying 2 Tesla coils capable
> of generating 4 to 5 foot arcs. The coils would be in a
> glass house. (Likely to be constructed with SnapGlas™
> patent-pending
> polycarbonate glazing panels lightweight for rapid assembly
> and less
> fasteners. SnapGlas™ is as clear as glass, but it
> features 100% UV
> protection and is virtually unbreakable.) 
> The piece is designed to be built at Franconia sculpture
> park in MN.
> One upgrade to my design would include a safety fence
> around the glass house. The park is a family oriented
> environment where children will be present. Safety is my #1
> concern.
> I started a research page to make communicating with you on
> the message board more efficient.  
> The installation I wish to create is called Tornado Sky:
> Sunrise. Please use this link to learn more about the
> project and research into Tesla coils I have already done:
> 
> 
> Although I have considerable knowledge of electrical safety
> with the work I do, this will be my first association with
> high voltage and electronics.
> The foremost questions on my mind are as follows;
> • Do you feel this concept is possible?
> • How much would it cost for the 2 Tesla coils:
> A — To buy them ready to install, or...
> B — To build them?
> • If I were to familiarize myself by building a small
> Tesla coil over the next couple of months, would it be
> reasonable to believe I could build them myself by next
> summer?
> • I have read the Tesla coil safety info online. Is there
> a formal training coarse available for high voltage safety
> certification?
> 
> Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
> Your assistance will be an invaluable resource to me in
> generating a budget and project proposal. 
> The submission deadline is February 13 2010.
> Best regards, 
> Mary Jane
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 



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