[TCML] Spark gaps (again)

[Jonathan Peakall]

Neat discussion. Makes me want to ask this question:

I found that a multi-segment gap worked better for low power coils, like an 
OBIT or automotive ignition coil. The single gap was waaaay better for NST 
powered coils. I did try low to high air flow over a single gap for the low 
power coils, but I could never get better performance than with the multi 
gap. Any ideas why? Is this because of physics, or was it just something 
about my particular setup?

Jonathan
www.madlabs.info
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dex Dexter" <dexterlabs at dcemail.com>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla at pupman.com>
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 11:06 AM
Subject: Re: [TCML] Spark gaps (again)


> The thing are the resistances of gap arc columns.
> They are not the same I think becouse the impulse arc has the expansive 
> evolution.
> How much they  differ I don't know :(
> Any proof for that?
>
> Dex
>
> --- jimlux at earthlink.net wrote:
>
> From: jimlux <jimlux at earthlink.net>
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla at pupman.com>
> Cc:
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Spark gaps (again)
> Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:30:25 -0800
>
> Dex Dexter wrote:
>> I guess the 'arc column' voltage drop must be considerably higher in
>> a pulsed transient arc lasting for 10-20 microseconds than in a
>> steady state arc of the same lenght and current.How much higher I
>> don't know.Catode drops should be the same in both cases.Yes/No?
>
> Cathode drop would be the same.
> The arc column heats up in microseconds (viz camera flash), so I don't
> know that TC arcs are all that different than a free-burning arc.
>
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