Re: Trembler coil

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Mddeming@xxxxxxx 

In a message dated 2/9/05 9:09:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
>
> Original poster: "Mudford, Chris" <chris.mudford@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Hi all
>
> Can a trembler coil out of a model t be used for anything to power a
> Tesla coil in any way?
> It appears to be producing about 5-6 kV, at unknown frequency at the
> moment.
> It is happy enough producing plasma in an auto light bulb.
>
> Cheers, Chris.  (NZ)

Hi Chris,

    Yes, Model T type coils were very common as Tesla power supplies in 
the early days of amateur Tesla coil construction, especially in areas 
prior to rural electrification, when almost everything electrical on the 
farm was battery-powered. In many cases, even the induction (spark) coil 
was homemade. I have an original Model T coil with the Ford logo burned 
into the lid of the finger-jointed wooden box, solid brass fittings, and 
the coil inside imbedded in the black/brown pitch common to NSTs and early 
HV transformers. It should work fine for a small coil, as long as you don't 
pull enough power to melt the tar. If the Tar has developed cracks, it 
might be a good idea to reinsulate. I have no idea what the maximum power 
ratings are, but  I was able to run a 2" x 12" coil using this system
For induction-coil-powered Tesla Coils, etc., see
1) "Experimental Electricity for Boys" by Willard Doan, 1959
2) "The Boy Mechanic - Book 4"  Popular Mechanics Press,  1924
3) "First Electrical Book for Boys"  by Alfred Morgan, 3rd ed. 1963
4) "The Boy Electrician" by Alfred Morgan, (c. 1948, 9th printing 1961)
5) "Things a Boy Can Do With Electricity"  by Alfred Morgan, c. 1938 
renewed 1966

Hope this helps,

Matt D.