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Re: New System, was "Real Data--



In a message dated 96-11-16 03:14:31 EST, you write:

<< 
 Hi Ed:
 	Right now I am trying to sort through several alternatives associated
 with my winter project.  Yes, it is a two coil system and I have a 10
 KVA 14,400 VAC pole pig, welder ballast and Superior 1256D variable
 transformer in the supply.  Last night I decided to change the secondary
 to a 56" length with the 15.25" form diameter in order to get a bit
 lower in frequency.  This results in a resonance of about 106 Khz
 without a toroid.  My curiosity at this point centers about picking the
 optimum capacitor size, with maximum spark being the goal.  I originally
 thought a .1 mfd cap would be about in the correct range, but alot
 depends on how far the secondary resonance will drop with a proper
 toroid, if an ideal L/C ratio is a target.  I'm still not clear on what
 the proper L/C ratio might be.  My 8" diameter by 28" long coil had a
 221 Khz resonance and with the 48" toroid it dropped to a measured 94
 Khz.  If I could expect the 106 Khz resonance of the new secondary to
 drop to around 50-55 Khz with a big toroid,  I would have a primary
 needing about 100 uh with the .1 mfd cap.  O.K., I guess I could just
 slap a random choice cap size in there and hope for the best, but
 another option makes more sense to me.  That option is, we have a
 tremendous amount of experience in this group and I sure don't mind
 listening for a few weeks and filtering out the stuff that will help me
 get a notch closer to the best I can personally do (The real story is, I
 sure don't want to spend $450-$600 on a cap that isn't quite right!). 
 My last primary had 15 turns so I have no problem with a similar design
 here.  I will use 5/8" thin wall copper refrigeration tube, if they make
 it in that size!  Haven't checked yet.
 
 	I am planning on using the 12" diameter flexible aluminum air duct for
 the toroid perimeter.  I used the same type of stuff but in 6" or 8" on
 the other coil and was happy with the results.  I figure on a 60"
 diameter for this one.  Yea, I guess I'll need lots of power to get it
 to break out.  I have room for a few more breakers downstairs and the
 next one will be a 100 amp line out to the Tesla area, or that spot my
 wife calls the drive way.  Silly, she thinks she will be able to use the
 garage next year!  
 	I got a couple of parts made today for my winding system for the
 secondary.  I should have the PVC form mounted up and getting close to
 winding this next week.  I am getting a gear reduction drive unit
 coupled to a shaft and support system to hold the form while winding and
 then I'll coat it with the Behr Super Build 50 polyurethane varnish--I
 really love that stuff!  I will take photo's so that when it's 10 below
 zero here I can have something to look at and wait for spring.  As
 always, I appreciate any ideas and comments.  Thanks in advance!
 
 Chuck Curran 
 Cedarburg, WI >>


Chuck,

This sounds like a super system.  It should perform very well.  I agree about
the capacitor, for that kind of money, you don't want to be too hasty.

I also am relegated to operating only outside on the driveway - having
outgrew the basement and the garage.  I sure wish I had a nice large heated
building to set all this up in.  I made good progress when I had the coil set
up in the basement.  Every night after work I could experiment and leave
everything set up for the next day.  Now  it is a big job to get it all set
up outside to run it - depending on the weather of course.

Ed Sonderman  Spokane, WA