Re: [TCML] The Dreadful Task of Ballasting (longish)

[bartb <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Phil,

Since it's a static gap, the cap voltage should be clamped at the gaps 
breakdown voltage. You may very well not be quenching well and affecting 
the static gap. I've run up to 2500W on my static gap ok, but I'm not 
sure how high your sucker gap can go. A rotary would be good for this 
higher power, but I think you can get the static gap to function ok. If 
the cap is resonant with the upstream inductance, then you will want to 
upgrade the cap size as Bert suggested. Something to consider however is 
how large that cap size would be and the energy.

Knowing the transformer data will help. Measuring the open circuit 
primary current will allow a look at L1 to see if it really is the 176mH 
you mentioned. Be careful with the primary Isc. Best to check it at a 
low voltage and slowly turn it up to see how the current reacts so that 
you don't fry a meter. An analog will probably be necessary. That 
primary Isc will tell you your Cres value for that transformer.

Glad you got the spreadsheet.

Take care,
Bart


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