[TCML] 5" Sparks - Approx 35 watts input power: Tesla was correct!

[Peter Terren]

About 40 years ago I was driving twin antiparallel ignition coils from a 12V 
1A through a multivibrator to get perhaps 1 inch sparks. Ie 12 watts per 
inch. You are getting 7 watts per inch. No problem with that.  The break 
rate will determine the power but not the spark length. Drop your break rate 
down to 1Hz and your spark length stays the same but power drops to perhaps 
only a few watts.

I think people were thinking that you were talking about a "Tesla coil" ie 
air cored resonant HV transformer. With a TC, "Break rates" and hence power 
are likely to be perhaps 10 times higher higher than a multivibrator 
(guessing here), hence power drawn will be 10 times greater. Spark length 
tends to be more as a consequence of spark growth than voltage (hence you 
see streamers with a TC but not your type of kicker setup).
I suspect "a few people considered this an unrealistic request" were 
comparing apples and oranges.
Nice setup BTW.
http://tesladownunder.com/Tesla_spectroscopy1.JPG

Peter



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Behary" <electrotherapy at hotmail.com>

Hey All,
A while back I posted a request to try and replicate Tesla's table top 
oscillator that he claimedgave 6" sparks with less than 35 watts of input 
power.  I think a few people considered this anunrealistic request.

Jeff Behary
The Turn Of The Century Electrotherapy Museum