Re: [TCML] DRSSTC and targets to strike

[Steve Ward <steve.ward@xxxxxxxxx>]

Direct ground sparks are usually OK provided the target is not excessively
close to the toroid, which presents more of a "short circuit" to the
secondary and consequently, the primary.  The ground sparks will tend to
make the primary current surge higher than normal.  Some people have
reported that these ground arcs cause their power electronics to fail.  I
personally have not had much problem with this.  I suspect if its not merely
the increase in primary current, that maybe some noise is causing improper
switching of the IGBTs, or maybe some other mechanism related to "Ground
bounce".

Steve

On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 9:58 PM, Justin B <boshjack@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> Hello TCML members.  I wanted to double check this so I don't cause any
> harm to my DRSSTC.  When it comes to making a streamer hit a metal object,
> is it okay if the object is grounded?  To the same RF rod that the secondary
> is grounded to, that is.  I thought it was possible to explode the bridge by
> striking something thats grounded, or is that when the grounded object makes
> contact with the topload?  Is there any way to damage a DRSSTC with grounded
> objects besides poking the bridge?
>
> What I want to do, is hang a foil sheet from the ceiling as a strike target
> for the streamers.  I know the metal alone will cause streamers to strike
> it, but grounding it would make a much better chance of making contact with
> it.  I didn't want to just go and try it, because some reason i remember
> something about Tesla coil streamers + Ground item somehow equals a dead
> bridge.
>
> Suggestions are welcomed, Best to ground the metal target in floating air,
> or leave it untouched?
>
> -- Justin
>
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