Re: [TCML] spark gaps question

[Quarkster <quarkster@xxxxxxx>]

Matt -
 
There are five different Tesla coil diagrams on the Altair site.
 
Only one (Mk-I) shows the spark gap in the correct position to minimize stresses on the HV transformer.
 
Actually, the Tesla coils shown on this site are lacking numerous design features required for a tesla coil to operate reliably. You might have better luck using a more modern TC design from another source.
 
For instance:
1. The spark gap should be located across the HV power supply.
2. The inverted cone primary provides no advantages over a properly designed flat spiral primary, and can cause multiple problems.
3. The neon sign transformer should be protected by a low-pass R-C filter array

If you are not familiar with Tesla coil design requirements or theory of operation, I'd suggest that you spend some time at Richie Burnett's website, studying spark gap tesla coils. A little basic understanding of how a Tesla coil operates will go far in helping you to get a coil up and running.
 
www.richieburnett.co.uk/tesla.shtml
 
Then, spend some time on the Tesla Coil Web Ring looking at other Tesla coils, what components are used, how they are constructed, etc.
 
Regards,
Herr Zapp
Regards,
Herr Zapp
--- On Fri, 2/27/09, Matthew Stevens <truesoutherngeek@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Matthew Stevens <truesoutherngeek@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [TCML] spark gaps question
To: "Tesla Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 1:36 PM

I am trying to build a coil similar to this one from
altair.org<http://www.altair.org>(see picture) for a science fair, and
have a really dumb question about the
spark gaps. Should the spark gap be wired in parallel, as it would appear
from the diagram? That doesn't seem to make sense in my little brain, but
then again, I haven't been doing this very long. Any help would be
appreciated. Thanks

The Southerngeek
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