Progress on my first coil -
Built an MMC from 18 942C20P1K5-F caps in series, based on the calculations for a static spark gap and a 15/30 NST. Each cap is shorted underneath the plexiglas board by a 10M resistor.
<http://yfrog.com/edpylj>
I will not try to test the terry filter by running the primary circuit without a secondary. Though I do need to figure out how to set the safety gap(s), which I imagine need to be tested by running the coil somehow. Any advice on setting the safety gaps is much appreciated.
Meanwhile, I am going to pray the MMC "works", as it's simply a series connected string of caps.
By the way - I managed to find the caps on line at RS Electronics. I had to call them directly - their website would not allow for an on-line purchase.
My usual sources (Mouser, Digikey, Newark, Jameco) had none. In fact, when I purchased from Mouser what were listed as 942C16P10-k (1600V 0.10uf), I received 942C12P10-k (1200V 0.10uf) which I was having a hard time making work from a max voltage stand point. At least the 1600V ones I could arrange to get the proper capacitance, but 1200 was too small, so I had to send them back.
Also, I got several caps on line that are made by a Chinese company, CJE. They're labeled as having the value 0.01uf 20KV, 10% tol. But after reading the various forums, I became worried about their ability to withstand the use. So I went to the devices everyone considers the old reliable standby (the 942s).
Cheers,
Joe