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Bob,
I don't see any transformers in the photo list that you indicated, but
with the description of a 100 amp line filter, I'd guess that the setup
is for a utility pole (a.k.a. pole pig) transformer.
These usually were run backward to transform 240 VAC at high current
into 5 - 25 KVA of 14,400 volt output, at a current rating depending on
the size of the transformer in question. 5 or 10 KVA units were the
most commonly used ones among TC builders, unless they were going for
truly monster coils. Transformers bigger than 10 KVA tend to be
unmanageably heavy unless you have a dedicated lab with a smooth
concrete floor and a crane to handle them.
These were once readily available from D. C. Cox for something in the
~$250 price range, plus LTL truck freight shipping, which ran another
$250. You could buy several for just a slightly greater S&H charge if
they went to the same destination. I remember doing a group buy of 5
pieces for myself and 3 friends about 12 years ago.
Regrettably, D. C. has passed away and so has the last easy source of
pole transformers available to the TC builder community. Another
transformer rebuilding outfit that was once available to TC
experimenters will no longer sell to mere mortals.
I did a quick scan of eBay, and found some reasonably suitable units in
the $800 - 1500 range, plus shipping. If you are patient and lucky,
you might find one at a lower price eventually. Large industrial
potential transformers may get you from 0.5 to ~2 KVA in a single
package, but these tend to be expensive, unless you are lucky enough to
find one at a bargain price.
A series stack of 4 beefy microwave oven transformers can deliver a
respectable ~8800 volts at ~500 mA, or ~4.4 KVA, which competes
favorably with the best of the potential transformers, and is way cheaper.
Probably the best avenue now is to get one from another coiler who is
moving on to SSTCs. The days of big iron disruptive coils are numbered,
though IMHO they are simpler and more bullet proof than the SSTCs.
You might also investigate DC resonant charged TCs. I believe that
Richie Burnett in England has a magnifier system that makes 10 foot
discharges with only two microwave oven transformers in series as a
power supply. These are a lot easier to acquire and transport, though
the coil design is a bit more complicated.
Dave
On 8/31/2014 1:38 PM, rd_parker@xxxxxxxx wrote:
A couple of questions if I may: 1 - what would be the cost of a
transformer such as you are displaying, and 2) what is the expected
voltage generated and the voltage input? I am new to this 'hobby'.
Thanks,
Bob in Bellflower.