AW: [TCML] Setting up for the first time

[bartb]

Hello Fritz,

We all have our methods for this and we vary slightly on some things.

I personally would recommend taking the static gap and the NST to a 
table. Connect the static gap across the high voltage terminals of the 
NST and set the static gap to it's widest setting. Then power up the 
NST. The gap will likely not be conducting. Begin reducing the gap width 
until the gap conducts consistently each time you power up the NST. This 
will be a good setting for your gap. The reason I recommend this method 
is that electrode material, air pressure, and electrode size will change 
the gap distance requirements to fire at the NST's output voltage. By 
taking the static gap and NST alone and adjusting the gap, those basic 
items are accounted for and help ensure you don't set the gap too wide. 
Dr. R's values of 0.18 to 0.2 inch are right in the ballpark for most 
gaps, but because we don't know the electrode size, it is best to ensure 
a proper gap distance.

BTW, a proper gap distance for a static gap is as large a gap distance 
that can be obtained without risking over voltage of the MMC rating or 
the NST. The NST is usually the biggest concern.

A coil will fire a static gap at wider settings, but will cause 
excessive voltage to be felt back across the NST and can cause a high 
voltage short inside the NST on one of the internal coils. So to keep 
the coil operating within it's limits, this approach is best (IMO). It 
is important to provide a healthy air flow across the static gap when 
it's running in the coil. Failure to do so will result in the gap 
electrodes getting very hot. This will cause the gap voltage to conduct 
at lower voltages and results in a low coil performance.

Take care,
Bart



Fritz W. Egli wrote:
> Dear Doc, dear all,
>
> How should the static gap (tank gap) to be concernet with in this process?
>
> Question from the Swiss alps... Fritz
>
>
>  Re: [TCML] Setting up for the first time
>
> Set your total gap spacing to around .180" (180 mils), then, after tuning at
> low power (50% or less) with a variac, the set final gap to approx 0.200
> (200 mils).
>
> Performance tuning includes both primary resonance tap point, and also
> elevating the sec coil to set the best coeff of coupling (k factor) as
> indicated by longest output spark length.  Some 1/2 inch size scrap plywood
> works good for this exploration process.
>
> In many cases the sec coil can be elevated 1-2" above the horizontal
> plane of the pri coil to obtain longest spark output.
>
> Happy sparkin'
>
> Dr. Resonance
>
>
>
> 2008/7/17 Stephen J. Hobley <shobley at userfs.com>:
>
>   
>> I'm getting close to firing up my very first Tesla coil. It uses a 12Kv
>> NST, Terry filter, static gap, and MMC. When I begin, how should I set the
>> gap?
>>
>> ...and then how should I measure performance and make adjustments for
>> optimum discharge?
>>
>> Steve
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Tesla mailing list
>> Tesla at www.pupman.com
>> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>>
>>
>>     
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla at www.pupman.com
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list
> Tesla at www.pupman.com
> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>
>