Re: [TCML] Flashover Follow

[Gary Lau <glau1024@xxxxxxxxx>]

I think I disagree on a couple of points.  I don't think that bang *rate*
affects the tendency to generate racing sparks, unless changing the rate
also affects the bang *size*.  Its truly the bang size that matters.

In addition to the obvious method of raising the secondary to reduce
coupling, I've also found it effective to raise the top load relative to the
top of the secondary.  This may require the installation of a second,
smaller toroid at the top of the secondary, to inhibit corona.

I think that increasing the top load size will also reduce the likelihood of
generating racing sparks, as the top load voltage will be reduced with
higher values of top load capacitance.  But one can't simply change the top
load size without changing other things as well that will also impact racing
sparks, so it's difficult to generalize.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 8:31 AM, Miles Mauldin <teslamiles@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> I searched the archives and have read through the posts found regarding
> flashover or racing sparks.  My conclusions are that changing the top load
> has little effect in most cases, changing the bang rate can provide relief
> if it is not set properly and the only approach proven successful is
> decoupling for a lower k coefficient.  Did I miss any?
>
> I increased power and have seen this effect a couple of times.  I want to
> address it before I continue any testing and potentially causing damage.
> Of the many methods I read on how people decouple their coils my preference
> would be to raise the secondary (verses cutting out primary turns, unwinding
> turns of the secondary, etc...) Are there any opinions on one method verses
> another?
>
> Thanks,
> Miles
>
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