Re: Spark gap

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Dr. Resonance" <resonance@xxxxxxxxxx>


Soda cans are too large.  You need some 1/2 inch OD (3/8 inch ID) straight
copper pipe --- not tubing which always has some curvature.

You can buy a straight copper pipe at a plumbing shop.  Some shops might
have some "cut-offs" 2-3 feet long which would be perfect to use for the
copper tubes.  De-bur the ends with a file and sandpaper to encourage
sparking along the length of the tube.

You may need a machinist with a milling machine to do the layout for the
fastener holes --- you want the pipes to be as parallel as possible and a
mill makes it a snap.  Two fastener holes per tube holds them in perfect
parallel alignment.  The machine shop instructor at your school can help you
with this.

7-8 tubes inside a 6 inch dia. PVC tube with a 75-100 CFM fan below it works
very wall with a 12/30 or 15/30 xmfr.  Use duct tape to shape the airflow
from the fan to the tube but keep it away from the HV.

Dr. Resonance



>
> Would soda cans make a good replacement for copper pipes in the spark gap?
> Or should I just go out and buy the pipes? I ask because i'm operating on
a
> budget here. I almost just had my school pay for for the capacitors, but
my
> parents said that they could afford $54 dollars.( originally we thaught I
> would need 45 capacitors at about $3 a peice) :) Thanks again Dr.
Resonance.
>                                                 Steven Steele
>
>
>