Re: [TCML] Re: Sculpture with Tesla coils

["Peter Terren" <pterren@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sorry to be the wowser here.  This might sound strange but I wouldn't go for 
a Tesla coil in this situation. I have been involved with public Tesla coils 
in two permanent and many temporary displays.
Even with my knowledge there are still risks and problems in a plain vanilla 
setup, let alone an art installation, let alone a twin VTTC (I have never 
seen one).
There is a big learning curve with Tesla coiling and while I applaud your 
interest, a public installation is not the place to start learning the 
niceties of earthing and safety. In Australia you would have no hope of 
getting public liability insurance and I doubt you would over there if the 
full details were known to the insurer.
I doubt pacemaker safety is any issue at all (Dr Resonance and myself are 
the experts here) since you are not planning to radiate much at all but a 
faraday cage needs to be a bit more than a token wire wrap around.  The 
public are capable of many things including poking though cages. You really 
need direct observation plus an effective physical space barrier in addition 
to the Faraday cage.  It is noisy and will drown out conversation including 
people talking about adjacent displays. The RF interference +/- mains 
interference may get into audio systems and other electronics.

I can make alternative suggestions for multiple coloured panels for a 
dynamic display with a rocking aspect.

Peter
www.tesladownunder.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Mora" <wavetuner@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "'Tesla Coil Mailing List'" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 8:34 AM
Subject: RE: [TCML] Re: Sculpture with Tesla coils


> Hi Mary Jane,
>
> I think it would be fun for the group to help you design the twins and
> enclosure. We all have experience in different area's.
>
> The feedback thus far is that a well grounded Faraday Cage made out of say
> 1" square mesh is a must as mentioned. RF noise and pacemaker safety is an
> issue otherwise. The two public coils I mentioned are constructed this 
> way.
> People with experience with twins need to chime in. It is a cool project!
>
> Jim Mora
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
> Of Mary Jane Mansfield
> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 9:39 AM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [TCML] Re: Sculpture with Tesla coils
>
> Thank you for your questions and suggestions.
>
> Gregory R. Hunter -
> The installation will be outdoors. The TC's will only be activated during
> special events in the evening.
> As for locating a TC of the desired performance before committing to the
> project;
> I think this is a very good idea.
>
> Jim Mora -
> The polycarbonate panels are available in thickness ranging from 6mm to
> 25mm.
> Your thoughts on a Faraday cage bring to mind another concern of mine. I 
> am
> wondering what material the frame of the house should be made of. There 
> will
> be a cement floor, therefor the house itself will not be grounded. I am
> feeling pretty confident that the center grounding post will keep the arcs
> from jumping to
> the frame under these circumstances.
> I am located in Minneapolis, MN. The grant available for this project is
> $5k. It is likely when I get a better grip on the overall budget that I 
> will
> need to do some fund raising as well as coming up with some money of
> my own.
> A field trip does seem in order. Perhaps I could plan several stops along
> the way. As I get further into the planning phases I feel that this years
> grant deadline of Feb.13 2010 may be a bit premature for a realistic
> proposal. I have already begun a discussion with the owner of Franconia
> Sculpture Park and there is an interest there for this project. Some red
> flags have been raised concerning the safety and financial aspects
> associated with my idea that I am currently attempting to sort out.
> I believe I am at the beginning of a very exciting project that is
> definitely worth seeing through to the end.
> Best regards,
> Mary Jane

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