[TCML] Climbing Arcs

Sat May 31 07:58:58 MDT 2008

Hi Jim,

I generally turn up my variac on that huge control panel that
the camera focuses in on toward the end of the video to
around 200 to 210 volts and pull between 100 and 120
amps per the panel meters! I am using a large Toshiba
240-100/120/208/220/240 volt isolation transformer with
the 240 volt input tap in series with the x-ray (or pig for the
T-coil) transformer's primary input. This isolation transformer
is rated at a VERY conservative 10 kVA and weighs a robust
232 lbs. I short the 100 volt output tap of it and this allows for
a very robust ballast that will allow up to 150 amps or so with
280 volts. Of course with only #6 input power cables, I can't
run it at this rate indefintely but I have never felt the x-ray trans-
former or the isolation transformer ballast get noticably
warmer than ambient temperature, even after several
minutes of non-stop firing at 20 or so kVA!

David Rieben

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Mora" <wavetuner at gmail.com>
To: "'Tesla Coil Mailing List'" <tesla at pupman.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 11:14 PM
Subject: RE: [TCML] Climbing Arcs

> Wow David,
>
> That's pretty cool (hot). I have a 150kv GE / 600ma. How much power were 
> you
> running? I haven't fired mine up yet. I have a 300amp dialarc sat reactor
> Miller (90amps@ 240 max) welder for the power control.
>
> Jim Mora
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces at pupman.com [mailto:tesla-bounces at pupman.com] On Behalf
> Of David Rieben
> Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 1:07 PM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs
>
> Hi Bert,
>
> Yes, the transformer itself is all that's driving this JL - no
> additional capacitance than the natural parasitic capaci-
> tance of the transformer's internal wiring itself. It's not at
> all hard to "start" a JL with >100 kV of available firing
> voltage ;^) The "starting point" of this JL is about 8 1/8"
> apart!
>
> David Rieben
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bert Hickman" <bert.hickman at aquila.net>
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla at pupman.com>
> Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:08 AM
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Climbing Arcs
>
>
>> Hi Tony,
>>
>> The video that David Rieben discussed in his latest post shows similar
>> "snappiness" to the arc.
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dLTEOM3qQc
>>
>> The higher voltages of X-ray transformers increases the effect of
>> parasitic capacitance on Jacobs Ladders, making them sound quite nasty
>> even without any other lumped C across the gap. A small HV cap across the
>> gap in an NST also helps raise the open circuit voltage, making it easier
>> to restart the arc at the base of the ladder. It's a bit harder on the 
>> NST
>
>> however.
>>
>> Re: coins & Stuff  - they are an oddity for sure. BTW, we'll be appearing
>> in an upcoming issue of Coin World Magazine, and our Lichtenbergs are now
>> on the cover of the latest Edmund Scientific catalog.
>>
>> Do you still making Geissler tube replicas? The one you traded for is
>> still very beautiful!
>>
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Bert
>> -- 
>> ***************************************************
>> We specialize in UNIQUE items! Coins shrunk by huge
>> magnetic fields, Lichtenberg Figures (our "Captured
>> Lightning") and out of print technical Books. Visit
>> Stoneridge Engineering at http://www.teslamania.com
>> ***************************************************
>>
>> Sfxneon at aol.com wrote:
>>> Hello Bert,
>>>  Appreciate all the suggestions! I really like the one about using a
>>> small  capacitance across the secondary to add a little SNAP! I'll give
>>> it a try. Do you still have that xenon plasma tube that I traded to you
>>> for the  shrunken coins? I still have the coins and they never fail to
>>> amaze people!
>>>  Thanks,
>>>  Tony
>>>
>>> In a message dated 5/27/2008 10:04:02 A.M. Central Daylight  Time,
>>> bert.hickman at aquila.net writes:
>>>
>>> Hi Tony,
>>>
>>> Some suggestions:
>>>
>>> 1. Use a wide "V" to more  rapidly spread the arc. The higher the 
>>> current
>
>>> the wider the end gap should  be
>>> 2. Use inductive ballasting for best performance
>>> 3. Use smooth rails to  avoid incandescent "hot spots" that will cause
>>> the arc roots to temporarily  hang in one spot. I'd recommend using 3/4"
>>> hard copper pipe or non-magnetic  stainless steel tubing. Periodically
>>> remove any oxide buildup. I suspect the  oxidation of the galvanizing 
>>> may
>
>>> a major part of the problem you're  seeing.
>>> 4. Enclose on 4 sides to reduce disruption by air currents. Leave top
>>> AND bottom portion open to permit vertical air flow. Be sure to leave
>>> plenty of clearance on either side of the gap, especially for a higher
>>> current ladder.
>>> 5. For grins, try connecting a small (500 - 1000 pF) HV  doorknob cap
>>> across the gap to make for "snappier" performance at start and  at long
>>> arc lengths.
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>>
>>> Bert
>>>  **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking 
>>> with
>
>>> Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.
>>> (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Tesla mailing list
>>> Tesla at www.pupman.com
>>> http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla
>>>
>>
>>
>>
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