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re: wire selection / basic construction questions



Original poster: Ian Swentek <ian.swentek@xxxxxxxxx>

I'm not quite sure how this tesla list works, but I'm gonna give it a
shot.  Im fairly new to the world of high voltage electronics, but do
have some experience.  I've built tesla coils before, but never
investigated their working to the extent present on the tesla list.
Also, some of the discharge lengths that are claimed on the list are
very impressive; the longest I have achieved is close to 6" so far.
Anyways, I'm going to try and build a properly tuned coil as described
on the many emails that I have followed for some time.  I have most of
the components that I'm going to use and just had a few questions
before I actually build anything.

What I have currently available to me are several neon sign
transformers to choose from for the power supply, two matched Maxwell
0.47uF 35KV pulse capacitors, most of the hardware necessary, and
several gauges of magnet wire.

Here goes:
1) What is the best gauge of wire to use for the primary and
secondary, and any reasoning as to why --> ie: rules of thumb?

2) A few posts back, there was a mention of the h/d ratio of the
secondary not to exceed 5:1.  Has anyone found an 'optimum' ratio,
considering optimum to be a loose term based on many other factors.

3) Is there a benefit to including an RF choke into the primary circuit?

4) I'm having trouble sourcing the tungsten for the spark gap setup,
does anyone have any suggestions here, or other materials that have
worked well for others that I can use?

5) Besides using two stainless steel cooking bowls to form the
torroid, does anyone have any other ideas?


Thanks for all your help. I welcome any and all comments and suggestions and cant wait to start building.


-- Ian "Foci" Swentek

TTFN