Re: [TCML] Re-visited - Newbie question - Where does all the energy go?

[jhowson4@xxxxxxxxxxx]

So, if I understand correctly your problem is that the coil is producing small sparks of about 10 inches, is that right. 

It seems that you have a working coil, as you are getting sparks, which you have been able to tune to some maximium length using the primary coil. 
So i don't think it is a tuning issue. 

Because you are able to tune it, i think you may have a spark gap issue. 
What is the separation of you gap electrodes? 
You can easily set a static gap, by running the gap directly across the transformers with out any of the tesla coil circuitry. 
You should find the max distance the just the transformers will arc, then make it a little bit smaller just for good measure. 
That should be your optimum spark gap distance. 

Also, the air flow across your gap is a very important factor in the coils operation. 

if you have a shop vac or something that can move lots of air. try blowing it directly across the gap and running the coil. I would bet that it will show a large improvement spark length wise . 


Please note, that it is advised that you have a terry filter on the output of your NST's to protect them. 



Thanks, 
John "Jay" Howson IV 


"Why thank you, I will be happy to take those electrons off your hands." 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Sutter" <peter@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 9:44:25 PM 
Subject: [TCML] Re-visited - Newbie question - Where does all the energy go? 

I refer to my problem as described in http://www.pupman.com/listarchives/2012/Apr/msg00135.html. 

I followed the recommendations by various posters, 

- I re-built the spark gap, same result. 
- I made various new capacitors, same result. 
- I added a second 12 KV 30 ma NST in parallel, same result. 
- I re-wired all connections with 10 gauge, same result. 

The only part left untouched now is the secondary coil. Is it possible that there is a short circuited winding? Would that be 
consistent with the problems I experience? 

How would I find the location of the short? I inspected it visually but can't find anything odd. What would I look for? would it get 
warm at the fault after prolonged running? 

Thanks for any assistance. 

Peter 

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