Static Gaps vs Rotary Spark Gaps

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "Medina, Benjamin (UMR-Student)" <bamxbb@xxxxxxx>

Hello Folks. I originally was going for an ARSG (Asynchronous Rotary Spark 
Gap) but got a lot of responses from the TCML saying that it's not friendly 
with the NST, that it might fry it, and that I had to stay at 24o BPS (at 
least) to be safe. Therefore, I've changed plans and am thinking about 
using a SG (Static Gap).

Using a 15kV/30mA NST, in terms of efficiency and performance, how does a 
SG compare to a RSG? Is there any rule of thumb as to the # of gaps in 
series? Does a RSG guarantee longer sparks vs. a SG?

I am doing a school project, so we have budget and time constraints. Which 
of the following Static Gaps setups would you suggest I should go with? Or 
anything similar to images below. Bottom line, I want something that is 
reliable, easy to build, and efficient. Gary Lau suggested, 
http://www.hot-streamer.com/TeslaCoils/Misc/terrygap.jpg


Your comments and advice will be very much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Ben Medina
Rolla, MO.


http://hot-streamer.com/temp/BenMedina/f73d20a6.jpg
(How is the connection done here? Essentially, where is the gap?)


http://hot-streamer.com/temp/BenMedina/f73d20b5.jpg

(Maybe two parallel wood pieces. I am guessing I connect one end of the 
screw/bolt to one end of the secondary side of the NST and the other end of 
the other screw/bolt to the other end of the secondary side of the NST)?