[TCML] USB-powered Tesla Coil for Data Transmission

[Gary Peterson]

> . . . This would give you intermittent (about every 20 sec. or so) 2-3" 
> sparks, or a burst of a small corona for about 5 sec.

Better yet would be configure two USB CW SSTCs for wireless data 
transmission and reception.  They could then be used to establish a wireless 
ad hoc connection between two computers.  This would be one giant step in 
the right direction.

Regards, Gary

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Derek" <tesla at extremeelectronics.co.uk>
To: "'Tesla Coil Mailing List'" <tesla at pupman.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:12 AM
Subject: RE: [TCML] USB-powered Tesla Coil


> Gary,
> I did a lot of thinking about a USB powered coil a while back. The
> problem is actually the power, 5V @500ma gives you 2.5W. My only 
> (untested)
> design used a camera flash type circuit fed into a DRSSTC circuit and a 
> very
> small coil. This would give you intermittent (about every 20 Sec or so) 
> 2-3"
> sparks. Or a burst of a small corona for about 5 sec
>
> I abandoned the project as I doubt even I could wait for 20 or so seconds
> for a single bang or a blue glow...
>
> maybe if you built the TC inside a plasma globe ???
>
> Cheers
> Derek
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces at pupman.com [mailto:tesla-bounces at pupman.com] On Behalf
> Of Lau, Gary
> Sent: 27 December 2007 01:38
> To: 'Tesla Coil Mailing List'
> Subject: [TCML] USB-powered Tesla Coil
>
> No, I don't have one.  But my wife found an interesting gift for me this
> year - a USB-powered plasma globe.  It's actually quite nice - the globe 
> is
> about the size of a conventional light bulb, with a power cable that plugs
> into the base, labeled 5V/300mA, and the other end having a USB plug on 
> it.
> Nearly on par with the TheOnion.com USB-powered toaster faux product, 
> except
> that this is real.  See http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/964e/
>
> So, this got me thinking if this couldn't be extended to an actual
> USB-powered spark-making Tesla coil?  While the available power should be
> adequate, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with the prospect of RF-ground
> return current being routed through my USB port.  Maybe this is a good use
> for that old P2 dinosaur in the basement.
>
> Regards, Gary Lau
> MA, USA