Re: Filter Caps etc.

• To: tesla-at-poodle.pupman-dot-com
• Subject: Re: Filter Caps etc.
• From: Tesla List <tesla-at-stic-dot-net>
• Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 20:15:33 -0500
• Approved: tesla-at-stic-dot-net

Subject:  Re: Filter Caps etc.
  Date:   Wed, 14 May 1997 14:11:28 -0400 (EDT)
  From:   Esondrmn-at-aol-dot-com
    To:   tesla-at-pupman-dot-com


In a message dated 97-05-13 10:37:47 EDT, you write:

<< 'm having problems with my safety gaps firing all the time! I can't
get
 the single spark gap (compressed air quenched) open beyond about 3/8".
I
 have a couple of 40 turn by 6" air core filter chokes but I think it's
 time for filter caps as well. "Barium Titanate Doorknobs" appear to be
 non-existent here, so can these caps be made the same as the rolled
 poly  discharge cap? If so how big should they be and do u need oil etc
 or is there a simpler design?
 
 Cheers,
 Peter Electric
  >>

Peter,

Congratulations on your project.  Sounds like it performs quite well. 
3/8"
wide spark gap is reaching the upper limit (in my opinion) for neon sign
transformers.  I usually run only about 1/4" or less total gap
distance.  If
you open your gaps up too much, the higher primary voltage will destroy
your
neons.  The safety gaps may be saving them as is.

I did make some home made filter gaps for my first coil.  I used two or
three
layers of heavy mylar (you want these to be lossy at RF) about 8" wide
and
maybe 24" long, rolled up with left over aluminum flashing.  I think
they
measured a couple of hundred picofarads which should be about right.  I
did
not run them in oil but you probably should.

Ed Sonderman

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