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Re: Tesla Coil Measurements
Hi Viv, all
>Original Poster: "Vivian Watts" <V.C.Watts-at-btinternet-dot-com>
>I am interested in making electrical measurements of the characteristics
>of a Tesla coil in operation. Particularly the ringing down of the primary
>and ringing up of the secondary. I have an oscilloscope and would like to
>know any recommended and safe methods of making measurements. Also I am
>interested in observing the current phase with respect to the supply voltage
>to see the power factor. I have a current transformer with a moving Iron
>ammeter. If I measure the voltage across the ammeter, is this going to be
>in phase with the supply voltage or supply current?
How about giving Terry´s fiber optics probe a try? He has a design manual
to download on his peakpeak-dot-com site. I had a look at this (and it IS on my
looooooong list of still-to-do-things"). The construction doesn´t look all too
difficult and it measures "online". Meaning you get a direct look at the actual
voltage and current flowing during a run. As it is "opto-isolated", it is a
very
"scope-safe" way to measure V & A. The problem with current transformers,
etc. is that you have a (more or less) direct electrical connection to your
scope. If the insulation has a weak spot, your scope or ammeter will
surely die. Not mention what a direct hit from the secondary to the current
xformer could do.... (;...o((. Terry also has a design manual for his plane
antennas, which are of great help in scoping a TC. Best of all, Terry will give
you the info for the price of a download connection = as free as it can get
(:o))!! Most parts for the probe are easily available. The most expensive
are the actual opto transmitter and reciever units, but I am sure you could
substitute different ones (I haven´t checked on the european availabilty
of the exact types he mentioned).
Have a look at those two papers. They are well worth downloading and
reading.
Coiler greets from germany,
Reinhard