Re: SSTC probs

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <Fucian-at-aol-dot-com>

Well, got done winding a large coil in hopes of lowering its self resonant 
frequency.Its 4.5in diam by just under 12 inches long wound with 28AWG magnet 
wire.I have no way of measuring the frequency.(Anyone know an estimate?)Im 
guessing 400khtz?I hooked it up and get pretty powerful little arcs about 
1inch long?Why?When i turn up the voltage on my variac, the arcs dont get 
longer but get HOTTER and sound like race car engines reving up.(Pretty 
amusing).

I got the IRF740 to take about 70 volts and then POOF!No smoke or 
anything.Just failure.It looks perfectly fine.Replace it and im back in 
buiseness.It doesnt even get hot when it fails.WHY?
The 555 pulse circuit is using a 102K capacitor(.001uF right?) for timing and 
2 1k resistors in series with 2 10k pots.Shouldnt this be good for up to 
480khtz?

I tried puting on a big toroid on top of the coil(12in diam by 4 in cord).It 
only hurts the output.Why?I thought it would bring down the frequency further 
allowing me to further tune the coil in to resonnance.

So, total results from my little 555+IRF740 MOSFET setup is 1inch orange fire 
arcs.Is this good for a simple 555 setup?Or am i missing something?
Thanks for all your help,
PS-this thing is dangerously putting out current.Cant I lower that?Im scared 
to go close to it when it vaporises needeles and such.
Matt