[TCML] Q

[Barton B. Anderson]

Hello Jared,

Jared Dwarshuis wrote:
> Hello Bart:
>
> Large top end capacitance represents an extremely favorable impedance. If
> you can get the spark length you are after, large top end
> capacitance is exactly what you want.
I agree.
> Problem is that the voltage drops
> considerably when you use a large top end, so sparks wont jump very far.
The supplied charge value is usually quite high and it takes a bit more 
time to build. Most of us will go with the largest roc as possible for 
best spark lengths. But good spark lengths can also occur at high 
currents with a somewhat small ROC as well. At least, that's been my 
experience.
> When building  half wave coils nowadays, we use unbelievably large top end
> capacitors, so big in fact,  that the spark just barely initiates. (We know
> that the sparks just barely initiate because opening the gap a few more inch
> and we get no spark.)
>   
Makes perfect sense. I don't see why 1/4 wave for 1/2 wave would act any 
differently when it comes to sparks. Sparks are what they are and they 
follow a general rule of thumb. What you described is true for all coilers.

Take care,
Bart