[TCML] Strike rings - to use or not to use; was: Newbie GroundingQuestion

[bartb]

Hi Bill,

I would personally put the strike conductor at RF ground if you use it. 
Or better yet, listen to what Dr. R. mentioned about simply some 
strategically placed rf ground rods. I would likely go this route simply 
because it's easy to use or not use. The floating point is still a point 
of contact just like the primary (no difference there). Whichever one is 
closer to any given spark event will get hit.

I do like acrylic discs over the primary. Making a round cut out of 
acrylic is really easy. I took a 1 meter long metal ruler and drilled 
holes every inch. I hook the center end to the center of the disc and 
then insert a cutting bit in the ruler holes (any hardened steel that 
scribes the acrylic). I simply scribe a rounded hole at whatever 
diameter I desire. It helps to scribe on both sides of the acrylic for a 
nice clean break. A little sand paper to the cut edges and you have a 
nice disc. I don't use thick acrylic (usually about 1/8" thick is plenty).

Take care,
Bart

Bill Lemieux wrote:
>
> I've never used strike rails, but I'm planning to install one on my
> "last" coil - the one I'm building now.
>
> What about placing a small sphere gap between strike rail and the
> RF ground?  Will the strike rail "floating" have enough self
> capacitance to still attract strikes, or is it only likely to do
> so if it is sitting right at ground potential?
>