Re: ignition coils

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: ignition coils
From: "Max Erhard" <max.erhard-at-softhome-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 18:53:44 -0700
Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

I recently tried running an ignition coil like that, with a rebuilt
dimmer switch and an oil filled cap from a microwave (1.1uF). The big
problem seems to be insulation, the inch long snappy sparks break though
the insulation on the top almost instantly.

Max Erhard.

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> Original Poster: "Gregory R. Hunter" <ghunter-at-accucomm-dot-net>
> 
> Fucian,
> 
> You can make an even simpler setup by doing away with the relay and
> transformer.  Use a solid state lamp dimmer switch instead.  Just put it in
> series with a 1 to 10uF motor start cap and your spark coil and run it
> directly from your mains.  Adjust the dimmer control for best spark output.
>  The dimmer switch is based on a semiconductor called a TRIAC, which
> provides pulsed current for the spark coil.  The motor start cap controls
> the power level.  A bigger cap = more power.  If your spark coil runs too
> hot, use a smaller cap.
> 
> 25 years ago I used a spark coil & dimmer switch power supply to excite my
> first small Tesla coil.  It worked pretty well.
> 
> Best Regards
> 
> Greg Hunter
> Cochran, Georgia
> 
> At 07:51 PM 02/26/2000 -0700, you wrote:
> >Original Poster: Fucian-at-aol-dot-com
> >
> >how powerful are ignition coils?ive powered one with just a relay and a
> motor
> >cap. in series with a transformer.it gave me a firery 1inch+-----what would
> >volts and curent be?it wont charge a capacitor at all--why?
> >
> >
> >
> >