Re: the cure for racing sparks

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "D.C. Cox by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <DR.RESONANCE-at-next-wave-dot-net>


Another problem might be the poly finish you are using on your coil.  It
works for some people but seems to cause problems for others.

We only use Dolph's AC-43 synthetic enamel.  This is formulated for HV, has
great dielectric qualities, and sinks into the copper wire windings
excellent with no "valleys".

After using only 3 coats per coil we have never had any problems with
tracking or other forms of "racing sparks" down the coil sec.

Dr. Resonance




----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 7:02 AM
Subject: Re: the cure for racing sparks


> Original poster: "Steven Ward by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<srward16-at-hotmail-dot-com>
>
>
>
>
> >From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
> >To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> >Subject: Re: the cure for racing sparks
> >Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 18:38:21 -0600
> >
> >Original poster: "D.C. Cox by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> ><DR.RESONANCE-at-next-wave-dot-net>
> >
> >
> >
> >Any time you exceed "critical coupling" you begin the freq. splitting of
> >the
> >main F (resonant) freq.  As soon as you have two separate frequencies you
> >get oscillatory beats.
> >
> >I fly a twin engine Piper Aztec and the same exact effect occurs.  If you
> >get one prop running just 10-25 rpms above the other there is a
noticeable
> >beating effect which is corrected with the prop governor controls (prop
> >pitch).  The "beats" will drive the pilot nuts in a few minutes if not
> >corrected.
> >
> >The same principle applies to Tesla circuits.  Exceed critical coupling
and
> >you have a HV peak at some other point than the top of the coil and
"racing
> >sparks" can occur.
> >
> >Coupling adjust, as you mentioned, is the cure.
> >
> >Many beginners have set up coils without enough primary inductance
> >available
> >to tune properly and this also produces the same effect.
> >
> >Dr. Resonance
> >
> >
> >
> Hello again,
>
> I feel as if maybe ive got my signals crossed with something.  Lets define
> racing sparks, and the problem that i HAD.  Racing sparks occur at random
> throughout the secondary coil.  Perhaps an arc that travels from a point
at
> 1/2 the coil lenght, to another point 2/3 of the coil lenght.  Is my
> interperetation correct??  Now my problem was that the very top winding of
> the coil arced the entire lenght down the coil to strike the ground
> connection of the secondary.  Is this understood to also be known as
racing
> sparks??  It seems that this problem is simply lack of insulation
(secondary
> not long enough to handle voltage) and perhaps the lack of field formation
> desired by a toroid(since i use a sphere).  I do realise that the posts
are
> becoming more of argueing about the effects of overcoupling rather than
the
> problems with my coil.  This is perfectly fine since my coil seems to be
> operating just fine and i dont need the help.  But reading these things is
> where the real learning comes into play.
>
> Steve Ward.
>
>