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Re: [TCML] First Tesla Coil Problems and Questions
I got my coil to work great, thanks for the compliments! I did a couple of 30 second runs (which before I could only run for about 5 sec before something went wrong). I also have a video too: http://vimeo.com/9806404 . Right now the primary is tapped at 8 turns (the max) and I'm getting at least 2.5ft sparks. I assume the only thing limiting run time is how hot the RQ gap gets? I haven't checked the temperature after running yet.
To fix my coil, I ended up cutting 1/4in thick plexi strips and hot gluing them in between the capacitor strings. There is no arcing now! I also built an RQ type gap using 8 - 3/4in dia, 3in long copper pipes mounted inside of a 4in pvc pipe. I cut two slits 3/4 of the circumference of the tube so that the gaps are easily adjustable. I used a 120v muffin fan to cool the gap. I find this gap to fire more consistently compared to the single gap and now the safety gap fires less and doesn't make a loud pop when it does. Although I didn't mess with the single gap much, so I can't say weather or not how well it performs. I should of just made the RQ gap first instead of messing with the single gap. I'm going to install an 8ft ground rod this week so I'll see if a real rf ground affects spark length.
-Tai
________________________________
From: Norman Stepp <ndsteppii@xxxxxxxxx>
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 5:02:24 PM
Subject: Re:[TCML] First Tesla Coil Problems and Questions
As far as your mmc, I had a problem similar to yours with the first one I built. I also had my series caps side by side to save space and they arced to one another burning a hole in two caps.I did fix this problem by putting plexi-glass in between the caps (also you could submerge the board in mineral oil) but it would have been a better choice to redo the board the right way. I know now its best to run your series caps in straight lines. There are no "sharp" points facing each other forming corona and arcing together this way which what looks like what happened in your case. I don't think it being close to the primary makes a difference. As far as your spark gap, a 2- electrode gap should work just fine, mine performs awesome. But if you want to experiment build an R.Q. gap and see which you like best. As far as ground, I don't think anything beats a good old solid rf ground. Your coil looks good, most people go with more turns on the primary for more
tuning flexibility. I noticed that you have your tap on turn 7 1/2, Does that seem to be the sweet spot or can you even tell a difference between where it's at or if you take it all the way to the end of tap 8?. Maybe if you had another turn or two to tap onto it would come alive. If you end up wanting more primary turns, search the list for past posts about splicing copper tubing.
hope this helps, congrats on a working coil,
Norm
Demotte, In
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