RE: Static gap design...

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

Original poster: Thomas <tom-at-pwrcom-dot-com.au> 

Try larger electrodes, like a couple of parallel copper pipes.

Do not stare at the spark unless you have an arc welding mask. The arc
gives off a conciderable amount of UV radiation and could seriously damage
your eyes.

For the same VA rating a higher voltage will give lower gap losses as the
loss is proportional to the square of the current.

Tom L.


Original poster: "Hydrogen18" <hydrogen18-at-hydrogen18-dot-com>

Whats the best design? I was experimenting with 1/4-20 bolts, a 6.8 pf
capacitor and a 7 turn air core coil in the typical tesla arrangement
powered by a 2500 VAC MOT. Even when cooled by 2 120mm fans turning at
an
insanely high RPM it would glow red hot within seconds. What am I doing
wrong? Will a higher voltage help it run cooler? or do I just need more
airflow? Also, can I see the gap "quench" with my own eyes? I notice
when I
add the capacitor and coil to the circuit it gets much brighter and VERY

loud, so I'm guessing it is doing its job. Any ideas or tips?