When I do demos indoors, I use a double ended ("bipolar") coil, so that I
don't need a separate ground. Or, if using my small candlestick style coil,
I run it Oudin style, connecting the lower end of the primary to the bottom
end of the secondary. I can use either type coil quite safely on an ordinary
tabletop. The carpet won't then be a problem. I find the No. 1 safety
concern when showing a Tesla coil to kids is keeping them away from the NST.
The TC is intimidating with its noise and arcs, but they might not realize
the NST is dangerous.
Fluorescent tubes are fun to show off (dim the lights first!), and you can
make a plasma globe by mounting a 3" clear glass incandescent bulb on a
piece of PVC tubing as a handle. With the coil working, hold the bulb near
the topload for some nice effects. Personally, when showing a coil at a
school or Maker Faire, I don't have to do much more than run the coil. It's
loud, it's bright, and most people have never seen one (reasonably)
close-up. They'll like it.
In a large room, ozone, etc. shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as
you don't run the coil too long at one time. A box fan to circulate the bad
air away is useful too.
Paul Thompson
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Bogard
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 5:09 PM
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
Subject: Re: [TCML] Coil Demo Indoors
Hi Jeremy,
My advice would be to try and find an alternate location, with
concrete walls and floors. Perhaps the sanctuary basement? I actually did
a demonstration for some boy scouts not to long ago, and I'm slated to do
another at the end of this month. I would say it was a positive
experience, how long will you be running the coil though? I ask because my
very reliable coil, didn't do well with the hours of on and off, the spark
gap wore quickly and needed frequent readjustment. Just something to be
aware of for a public demonstration, perhaps you do demo's often and this
won't be an issue. At any rate, I wouldn't trust a counterpoise on carpet,
unless you make it absurdly large, and or have an alternative ground (run a
wire outside through a window.) Good luck, and make sure you keep everyone
at a safe distance...
Scott D Bogard.
On Tue, Sep 9, 2014 at 4:52 PM, Stan Gray <wsmg@xxxxxxx> wrote:
It would help to know what your coil is.
________________________________
From: Jeremy Gassmann <jeremyee78@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 9:14 AM
Subject: [TCML] Coil Demo Indoors
Hello all,
I was asked to demo my coil for our local Cub Scout troop and had a
question about safety and solicit any other feedback on the topic. I will
be running the coil inside a large sanctuary at a church with high
ceilings
but also with carpet. The carpet is my concern as I will be running the
coil on a counterpoise directly over the carpet. Is this a potential fire
hazard or is it only a problem if the coil strikes the ground (my coil
can't arc that far)?
My next major concern is ozone build up, but I think I will open the
windows up to help vent it out and be cognizant of any build up of
ozone. Are there any other safety issues (besides the obvious of getting
shocked) that I may be overlooking?
Also, what are some things that you might do besides just turning it on to
get the kids interested and involved? I thought about lighting up
fluorescent bulbs from a distance but that is about all I can think of.
And
how do you explain on a very basic level how a tesla coil works to a group
of 6 to 10 year olds?
Thank you all in advance for any help you can give!
Jeremy Gassmann
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