[TCML] aluminum magnet wire

[bartb]

Interesting. This test result identifies significance of losses in the 
secondary system. If Jim does try this test, we can confirm.

Do you remember how much shorter the spark lengths were, such as a 
percentage?

Bart

DC Cox wrote:
> I did it with identical 24 x 6" coils and the sparks were weaker, a few
> inches shorter, and definitely not as bright.
>
> Dr. Resonance
>
> On Sat, Feb 28, 2009 at 12:12 PM, bartb <bartb at classictesla.com> wrote:
>   
>> jimlux wrote
>>> Sure, the unloaded Q of the secondary is 2/3 (as expected.. Al
>>> conductivity is about 2/3 that of Cu).. but since the loaded Q of a TC is
>>> around 10, clearly most of the losses are elsewhere.
>>>       
>> Yes, but only during spark loading. Q is bouncing between loaded and
>> unloaded while running. I'm not sure it would matter much, but it might.
>> This is one of those rare experiments where two identical coils could be
>> compared without worrying too much about other affects. The coil would
>> function, but I'm not sure that the losses would incur much spark length
>> difference. I don't remember anyone trying it. If there's a substantial cost
>> savings, then it's certainly worth trying out.
>>
>> Take care,
>> Bart