RE: [TCML] spark gap substitute...?

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>]

Just know that building any kind of solid state circuit will be at least 100 times more complex than building a good spark gap.  It's pretty easy to trouble shoot a spark gap problem - not so with solid state stuff.  I strongly urge you to master spark gap technology before attempting to build a solid state TC.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Christopher Karr
> Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 10:44 AM
> To: Tesla Pupman List
> Subject: RE: [TCML] spark gap substitute...?
> 
> 
> Daniel,
> 
> 
> 
> What you are describing is, essentially, an SSTC, or solid-state Tesla coil. The
> function of which is based on an input signal of a lower power than what you are
> getting through the transistor or, in this case, SCR. The modulation of a SSTC can
> be very complex when attempting to avoid destroying the driver circuitry. My
> recommendation is to build a driver from Steve Ward's web site (steve.4hv.org) or
> build a SISG. The sidac spark gap is designed to replace the common, dielectric-
> breakdown spark gap with a solid-state spark gap with a very high voltage rating to
> allow for use of small NSTs and MOTs or low-voltage PTs.
> 
> 
> 
> Wishing you the greatest of luck,
> 
> Christopher Karr
> 
> > Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:11:19 -0800
> > From: leedanieljoseph@xxxxxxxxx
> > To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: [TCML] spark gap substitute...?
> >
> > Hello all,
> >
> > I'm having difficulty getting my stationary spark gap to work properly. I
> > am wondering; is it possible to use an optocoupler (triggered by a 555 timer
> > or maybe a function generator) to trigger a pair of massive SCRs to imitate
> > the function of a spark gap?
> > The biggest SCRs I've seen can handle 1kv (probably rated in DC, but i'm not
> > sure), so it couldn't be too big of a coil. I'm just wondering if this
> > would work or if I'm missing something obvious.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > daniel

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