RE: [TCML] Secondary resonant frequency with scope (discussion continuing)

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>]

You can make a dandy "Tesla Coil Tuner", designed by Terry Fritz, out of a single CMOS 555 and not much else, AND, the good part is you don't even need a scope.  Built-in LED's nicely show the resonance peaks (I've built this and recommend it).  I would just recommend a connection to an external frequency counter to accurately measure the frequency.

Plans/documentation is at http://www.classictesla.com/hot-streamer/TeslaCoils/Misc/TCT/TCT.htm

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA


> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Davetracer@xxxxxxx
> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 6:08 PM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [TCML] Secondary resonant frequency with scope (discussion continuing)
> 
> 
> I've got an oscilloscope and a secondary, but I do -not- have a signal
> generator.
> 
> However, I think building up a signal generator with a 555 timer and a
> breadboard is very straightforward. I can sweep it across quite a  range of
> frequencies with a potentiometer, and get a pretty good idea of the  frequency
> with the scope.
> 
> What I need to know is:
> 
> first, do I need more output than a 555 can do (say, run it through a 741
> op-amp, or more?);
> 
> second, what sort of signal would be best? Square waves are easy, sine
> waves take a bit more doing;
> 
> third, how do I connect the signal generator to the secondary coil? Common
> grounds and signal generator output to the top of the secondary? This seems
>  wrong, but I'm very weak on antenna theory.
> 
> last, where do I connect the scope to observe all this, both its ground and
>  its probe?
> 
> I've taken a look at the list archives and am now confused at a much higher
>  level; they are assuming that I know a few things which I just plain don't
>  understand.
> 
> All help appreciated, believe me.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Dave

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