[TCML] High Power Static Gaps

[jimlux]

Sfxneon at aol.com wrote:
> Hi All,
>  
> I'm curious about the spark lengths achieved by others using a single  static 
> vacuum aspirated gap, (I believe the one designed by Gary Lau if memory  
> serves)? It uses a vacuum cleaner motor, PVC pipe and two large copper tubing  end 
> caps with holes in the middle for the electrodes.
>  
> What are the limiting factors with this type of gap? Can it be scaled up  for 
> higher power? It's a beautifully simple and elegant design, without the need  
> for any close tolerance machine work like with rotaries, and it's much safer  
> too.
>  
The literature has references to gaps of this type (generally, not with 
the specific construction you describe) running at multiple kilowatt 
power levels.  The Marx blast gap is a good example.  It actually used 
air blowing out through the center hole in the electrode.