Re: [TCML] Phase

[FutureT@xxxxxxx]

Yes, the sync gaps should be set close.  Especially with NST  powered systems 
a
wide gap will cause misfires and poor operation and can destroy the NST  (if
a Terry filter is not used).   In general wide gaps can cause  misfires and
unsteady firing.  The motors used for sync gaps should not have end  play,
to prevent electrode crashes.  The entire base and rotary gap  structure
should be robust, also to prevent crashes.  This is especially  important
with tungsten electrodes which are brittle and expensive.  Some of  my
smaller rotaries can tolerate crashes, the electrode ends are rounded
slightly and just glide past each other even if they touch.  The  electrodes
are steel or copper, not tungsten.  It may not be good if the  electrodes
scrape past each other since it may promote "re-firing".   
 
John
 
 
In a message dated 11/28/2007 2:45:50 P.M. US Eastern Standard Time,  
Gary.Lau@xxxxxx writes:

I've  never viewed adjusting the gap spacing as a tuning or tweaking 
parameter,  believing that it should simply be made as narrow as possible without 
risking  a crash.  If it is too wide or marginally too wide, the gap may misfire,  
especially if it is run at less than full power. Assuming there is no danger  
of a crash, why shouldn't the gap be made as narrow as possible?  Yes,  the 
gap will fire before the actual mechanical alignment, but this of no  
consequence.

For synchronous gaps employing LTR caps, the actual  optimal firing point is 
not at the peak capacitor voltage (which would seem  intuitive), but rather 
sometime later.  The explanation for this is  lengthy (inductive kick effect), 
but Richie Burnett does an excellent job on  his web site page 
http://www.richieburnett.co.uk/indkick.html#kick.  It's  just one of those things that one 
needs to try and scope for  yourself.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> -----Original  Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx  [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Chris Swinson
>  Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:02 PM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing  List
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Phase
>
> Hi  Tony,
>
> Keep the motor off, but keep the electrodes aligned, see  if the tank volts
> gets high enough to jump the gap. If it does then  make the gap wider and
> keep going. Then you need to physically move  the sync motor while it is
> running. The spark gap should only fire  within a few degrees of manual
> adjustment. mark the points from left  to right where the spark gap stops
> conducting then you have your  centre point which will be the top of the AC
> cycle. You can then  adjust your gaps wider if needs be once you have worked
> out your gap  fire.
>
> If your gap does not fire while the motor is running  then just close them
> down a fraction and try again..
>
>  Hope this helps..
>
> Chris







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