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[TCML] Tuning Questions



This is my new and first coil that I posted about two weeks ago. To recap the specs are a 10kv 23mA OBIT, 3 segment spark gap with a fan, bucket style salt water capacitor around 12nF, 35uH 10 inch diameter 9 turn primary with 5 tuning taps available. 1300 turn 3.5 inch diameter secondary and 18 inch diameter toroid top load. I'm getting about 12 inch sparks. The top load, spark gap, and primary capacitor are new since my first post

My first question is regarding tuning the primary coil. It seems to be very sensitive to tuning. One turn either side of optimum setting and the streamer length drops by half. Is this typical and does this have any significance? I don't have "half turn" taps available. Is there any reason not to add in a small, easily bypassed, 2uH, inductor in series with the primary coil in order to provide smaller tuning steps?

My second question, does humidity have a significant effect on streamer length? The garage where the coil is located has been seeing pretty dramatic changes in humidity (and temperature too). Can I disregard humidity in measuring streamer length?

I have one segment of my spark gap shorted out. With 4 segments, the spark gap gets significantly louder, but streamer length is unchanged. The total spacing or the current 3 segments is only about .180" (4.5mm). This is much less then I used with a single gap. Does this sound right?

Last question, if I leave the salt water capacitor in the unheated garage will I have a problem with salt precipitating out of solution when it gets below freezing?

By the way, over 3 feet of new snowfall over the past week in the Washington DC area!

Thanks for any help.  I couldn't find the answers in the list archives.

Charlie
K3YA
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