Powering a spark gap Tesla Coil from 240V without a transformer... (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 01:41:02 +0000
From: Jeff Behary <jeff_behary@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Powering a spark gap Tesla Coil from 240V without a transformer...

Hello All,
A few early books and patents have Tesla Coils that ran without a high 
voltage transformer and without an interrupter.  It didn't seem logical, but 
it can work.  The spark gap is tricky - around .0015" or less.  What is 
strange is that the spark gap is virtually silent.
The movie is interesting - it shows the discharge and how quiet the gap 
really is:

http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/2007/240V/index.htm

This same concept works incredible with a simple unpotted Model T coil 
thrown in oil.  Its a creepy discharge!  Not one I'd like to come into 
contact with!  But an interesting effect happens if you blow on the 
discharge.  See the photos and video - the movie is 30 seconds and shows 
various discharges in normal and slow motion, and the effect of blowing on 
the arc.

http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com/2007/250WT/index.htm

Granted its not very useful, but still something for the back of the mind.  
I've repeated this with a 350V and also 480V transformer... it is much 
easier to adjust the gap with this small increase in voltage..but kind of 
loose the novelty of running it direct from the 220 line.  The actual line 
voltage of our 220 lines measured 241 volts.

Jeff Behary, c/o
The Turn Of The Century Electrotherapy Museum
http://www.electrotherapymuseum.com

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