Re: [TCML] Spark gaps (again)

[futuret@xxxxxxx]

Dennis,

For longest output sparks and best TC efficiency in that regard,
it's best to choose low gap losses over fast quenching.  Fast
quenching is nice, but not if one has to sacrifice low gap losses.
As long as quenching is adequate, that's all that is important.
Most small coils quench on the 3rd rf beat or notch point.  This
is fine.

Sometimes you'll hear the concept of "overquenching" mentioned.
Such as thing does not exist in practice.  What is often refered to
as overquenching really refers to a situation where there is excessive
airflow or airblast such that it interferes with the firing of the gap.
Thus the gap fires erratically under these conditions.  It sputters.

If however the gap runs too hot, then it will begin to fire at a lower
voltage, and the spark output will diminish.  So it's important to
cool a gap adequately.  For a small coil, just the ambient air may
be sufficient.

  http://futuret.110mb.com

The hyperbaric gap is an excellent design because it offers low losses 
and
adequate quenching and cooling.

John


-----Original Message-----
From: otmaskin5@xxxxxxx
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 7:25 pm
Subject: Re: [TCML] Spark gaps (again)



Thanks Jim for the correction.? I was just using a shorthand 
description for
brevity & clarity since I have often heard of multi-segmented pipe gaps 
referred
to as Richard Quick type (rightly or wrongly).? In contrast?to your 
view that a
single?gap has superior quenching?capability,?seems there's' a fairly 
broad
consensus among the group on this list that a multi-segmented gap 
actually
quenches more effectively than a single gap.? I'm a novice without any 
real
electrical background, so I'm listening & asking a lot more than giving 
my
opinion on this stuff.?

I am very interested in the hyperbaric gap you describe and will 
probably build
one in the near future.? At this point I'm just trying to better 
understand the
science behind the performance differences between types of gaps.? I do
appreciate your thoughts and thank you for the response.? Regards, 
Dennis
Hopkinton MA

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Mora <wavetuner@xxxxxxxxx>
To: 'Tesla Coil Mailing List' <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 9:44 pm
Subject: RE: [TCML] Spark gaps (again)


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