Re: [TCML] Beginner

[Carl Bradley <old_fogey@xxxxxxxxx>]

>From the sixth through the twelfth grade, I entered the science fair every year---four of those years it was with a different Tesla coil experiment (transmission of energy, detection of powder size through spark diffusion, etc.)   With one exception, all of those coils used a model T Ford ignition coil as the power source---with one of the coils I achieved almost 2 foot sparks.  The spark coil and the secondary wire were the most expensive components--(nowadays, it would be the wire.)  Everything else was scrounged.   Every project won at least second place, most did better.  You can find numerous resources for this type of coil online, and in older books like the "Boy Electrician" by Alfred P. Morgan.  Good Luck.

Brad "In a lifetime as a Seeker of Truth I have learned this ....... Be content with a good book, a dram of decent brandy and a pipeful of good tobacco."
    


--- On Thu, 8/16/12, Zachary <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Zachary <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [TCML] Beginner
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012, 6:06 PM

You are correct about the money and the project. My dad has offered his
help. He knows a lot about the safety aspect but none of the science of it.
And I'd have to talk to the admins about whether or not it would be
acceptable to bring into school. Knowing them though probably not. Though
it is perfectly aceptable to doucement it with pictures, video, etc and
show that.

And I was reading that safety sheet on the pupman website. I was always
told that the voltage doesn't usually matter and only a high amperage is
dangerous, though that seems not to be the case.
Also would it be a good idea to work with some sort of rubber gloves or
would it not really make a difference at such a high voltage?

On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 4:01 PM, Jonathan Peakall <jpeakall@xxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> OK, that's a start. I am assuming it is for a project and that you don't
> have much money. Do you have an adult helping you? Is it for demonstration
> at school or home use? Are your guardians cool with you working with high
> voltage?
>
> For starters, look into auto ignition coil powered coils or OBITs (oil
> burner ignition transformer). These are the two lowest power and hence
> safest types of coil to start with. It's not going to make a spectacular
> coil, but it's a good place to start.
>
> Do a LOT of research into safety. It's possible to get killed by the
> smallest of coils, there is no such thing as a safe TC.
>
> Jonathan
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zachary" <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:35 PM
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Beginner
>
>
>  Ok. Well I have pretty much no experience with electricity. I'm just a
>> senior in highschool so my resources are limited. I'm just wondering what
>> are the best books or websites that I should use.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 2:57 PM, Jonathan Peakall <jpeakall@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>> >wrote:
>>
>>  As a rule, giving as much information as possible makes it easier to
>>> answer your questions. For example, we don't know if you have any
>>> experience with electricity or not. You could be an EE or you might not
>>> have ever changed a fuse. We don't know if you are young or old, are rich
>>> or poor, if you live in a house or in an apartment building and so on.
>>> all
>>> of these things make a difference.
>>>
>>> Also, do some research on your own and then ask something specific, like
>>> "should I start with a pole pig or an auto ignition coil".  We're happy
>>> to
>>> help, but we need to know more and that you have done some research on
>>> your
>>> own.
>>>
>>> Jonathan
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
>>> To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
>>> Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:21 AM
>>> Subject: [TCML] Beginner
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  So where do I start?
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>>>>
>>>>
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