This has been a concern of mine for years, as I have operated my large TC
system in a variety of venues.
Today's pacemakers (implanted type) are first of all enclosed in a
metallic case. The only possibility is for disruptive current spikes to
get induced via the electrodes to the heart muscle, which are typically
very short in length.
Capacitively-induced charges are unlikely due to the pacemaker being
enclosed within the body itself. The skin tissue, being somewhat
conductive to to the saline content also acts as a (weak) Faraday cage.
With short actual electrode wires, resonant issues are likewise dubious.
For what it's worth, I have a Cochlear Implant just under the skin on the
side of my head, it's electrode(s) terminate directly in the cochlea
itself. I have operated my TC (being less than 10 feet away from the
secondary) with zero interference or disruption in either the external
signal-processing device nor the implant itself.
The specification from my implant manufacturer states the implant is
functional at up to 3V/m electric field strength, don't forget it's
imbedded in slightly saline moisture as well.
We simply presented a disclaimer that anyone with a pacemaker or
bio-electrical device move to the back of the seating area.
- b
> Hey,
>
> I recently finished my first Tesla coil and am very impressed by its
> performance. After a couple minutes of tuning, I was looking at 3-4 foot
> streamers. There have been no problems with the coil so far except for the
> over-coupling issue, which I solved.
>
> The Tesla coil is now no secret to my immediate or extended family, and I
> have many requests for demonstrations. Especially from my grandmother who
> is very impressed with me and my brother's work (I worked on this project
> with my twin brother). However, she has a pacemaker, and I have explained
> to her that the inductance field produced by the Tesla coil will damage
> any
> nearby electronics including pacemakers. I did some reading and for my
> Tesla coil, 20 feet is a safe distance. Interestingly, I had my phone in
> my
> pocket (samsung s4) during my first few runs and it works perfectly even
> though it had been within fluorescent tube igniting range for at least 20
> seconds.
>
> Before I built my Tesla coil, I had nearly 4 months of research behind me.
> I made sure I had a very good understanding of every component and its use
> before I bought one piece. I have never taken a physics class as I am
> currently a 16 year old high school sophomore taking AP chemistry, but I
> feel as though I may not need to at this point (don't worry, I will take
> physics next year and AP physics the year after as I have heard that the
> curricula are different). That said, I have done extensive research on all
> aspects of how and why a Tesla coil works.
>
> The only problem is that anyone who sees the Tesla coil makes assumptions.
> The ignorance I have experienced from others has become infuriating. This
> is why I would finally like to settle this.
>
> *What is a safe distance to stand from my Tesla coil if the person in
> subject has a pacemaker?* Please include your education and/or experience.
> Any other unrelated comment or questions are also welcome. I have all
> information regarding my Tesla coil below:
>
> *Video:*
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1jNe0FIZ8g&feature=youtu.be
>
> *Image:*
>
> http://s30.postimg.org/9d1txzls1/Tesla_Pic.jpg
>
> *Parts:*
>
> 12KV 60mA Transformer (input 120V 60Hz)
>
> 28 (14X2) .15uF 2KV Capacitors
>
> 28 Resistors
>
> Tungsten Spark Gap
>
> Brass Safety Gap
>
> 1/4" 11 Turns Copper Primary
>
> 1/2" Strike Rail
>
> 4" PVC Pipe 2' Secondary 26 AWG Magnet Wire 1200 Turns
>
> 13"X4" Aluminum Spun Toroid
>
>
> Thank You,
>
> Kuba Anglin
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
>
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