Re: why? chilled spark gap tips gives more spark?

["Michael H Nolley" <nolleym-at-willamette.edu> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

> I recently chilled my spark gap tips with with a butane gum remover DO  NOT
> do this unless you have a fan to get rid of the butane gas or don't feel the
> need for hair on your arms or face (it is highly flammable as I am sure you
> know) any way for about 5 seconds when the coil is running before the tips
> heat themselves back up again I get about 20-25 percent longer streamers from
> the torrid which is the head of a dart ( have a rather small (TC) about a
> foot tall but anyway I thought it a bit odd anyhelp would be greatly
> appreciated. thanks -James

    The butane dissociates into hydrogen and carbon--the hydrogen helps quench
the gap.  (it's the best gas for this purpose)

        --Mike