[TCML] Secondary resonant frequency with scope (discussion continuing)

[bartb]

Yes, I second that. I also built a TCT way back when. It's a straight 
forward design. I would recommend replacing the POT with a 10 turn pot 
for greater resolution. I will typically turn the dial until I attain 
the brightest peak illumination of the LED, then take the tuner back to 
the work bench and measure the tuners output with the frequency meter 
(thus keeping the frequency meter out of the TCT and coils tuning exercise).

How to measure the secondary (connections and all are in the writeup).

Regards,
Bart

Lau, Gary wrote:
> You can make a dandy "Tesla Coil Tuner", designed by Terry Fritz, out of a single CMOS 555 and not much else, AND, the good part is you don't even need a scope.  Built-in LED's nicely show the resonance peaks (I've built this and recommend it).  I would just recommend a connection to an external frequency counter to accurately measure the frequency.
>
> Plans/documentation is at http://www.classictesla.com/hot-streamer/TeslaCoils/Misc/TCT/TCT.htm
>
> Regards, Gary Lau
> MA, USA
>
>
>   
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: tesla-bounces at pupman.com [mailto:tesla-bounces at pupman.com] On
>> Behalf Of Davetracer at aol.com
>> Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 6:08 PM
>> To: tesla at pupman.com
>> Subject: [TCML] Secondary resonant frequency with scope (discussion continuing)
>>
>>
>> I've got an oscilloscope and a secondary, but I do -not- have a signal
>> generator.
>>
>> However, I think building up a signal generator with a 555 timer and a
>> breadboard is very straightforward. I can sweep it across quite a  range of
>> frequencies with a potentiometer, and get a pretty good idea of the  frequency
>> with the scope.
>>
>> What I need to know is:
>>
>> first, do I need more output than a 555 can do (say, run it through a 741
>> op-amp, or more?);
>>
>> second, what sort of signal would be best? Square waves are easy, sine
>> waves take a bit more doing;
>>
>> third, how do I connect the signal generator to the secondary coil? Common
>> grounds and signal generator output to the top of the secondary? This seems
>>  wrong, but I'm very weak on antenna theory.
>>
>> last, where do I connect the scope to observe all this, both its ground and
>>  its probe?
>>
>> I've taken a look at the list archives and am now confused at a much higher
>>  level; they are assuming that I know a few things which I just plain don't
>>  understand.
>>
>> All help appreciated, believe me.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Dave
>>     
>
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