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Re: [TCML] Transformer
Rob,
Look out, here comes Mom...
Please, don't try to use a 50kV xfrmr for your first coil.
Firstly, the odds of your first mistake being your last are really high.
Just as one wouldn't just toss someone into the pilots seat on an airplane
without proper training, you really need to learn some safety techniques and
gain some experience before attempting to use such a large xfrmr.
Secondly, as herr zapp pointed out, it will be a LOT more expensive and
difficult. Not just a little bit, but a lot. There is a reason that very few
such high voltage coils exist. It can be done and might well be fun to do
so, but it just isn't a beginners project.
Anyway, I hope I don't come across as a know it all. I have built a few
small/ medium coils, and I wouldn't consider myself knowledgeable enough to
undertake this either. I also wouldn't want to spend the extra money when I
could build a coil that performed just as well for less, with less hassle.
Jonathan
www.madlabs.info
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Some people are like a Slinky .. not really good for anything,
but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
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----- Original Message -----
From: <tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 11:24 AM
Subject: Re: [TCML] Transformer
Thank you all for the advice. I did pick up that transformer for one
reason I was in the town where it was located working today, so I saved on
the shipping. I was also able to pick up a 15/60 NST also at a sigh shop
for free. The only problem is, it is a gfi type. Can the gfi be removed?
And can we work with that big xray tranny and make it work also. I don't
mind a good complex challenge. If you all can stand holding my hand
through it I' game to give it a go.
Thanks again for all the help so far.
Rob
KI4HXT
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: Quarkster <quarkster@xxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 10:56:13
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List<tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [TCML] Transformer
Robert -
You didn't provide any information on your intend use, so it is difficult
to make any sort of recommendations without more data.
If you intend to make a Tesla coil, an X-ray transformer is
inappropriate, especially for a first coil. The output voltage of a 50KV
transformer is too high for Tesla coil use without the use of exotic
construction techniques, and finding or making a tank capacitor that will
operate at 50KV will be difficult and/or costly.
Conventional spark-gap Tesla coils typically utilize transformer output
voltages in the range of 7.5KV to 15KV. This allows the transformer and
tank circuit to operate with air insulation, rather than requiring
everything to be submerged in insulating oil. Tank capacitors can be
easily assembled from arrays of smaller, lower voltage capacitors (MMC),
ending up with an effective voltage rating of 20-25KV.
Your best bet is to find an older (non-GFI) neon sign transformer, 10.5
to 15KV output at 30 or 60ma. These can frequently be obtained at low cost
from neon sign shops, or on eBay. Multiple transformers of the same
voltage rating can be connected in parallel for higher current output.
The seller of the transformer in your link did not mention that X-ray
transformers are rated for an extremely low duty cycle (typically <5%) to
prevent overheating. If you want to run it for 10's of seconds, or longer,
then you need to ballast it to reduce input current, which will greatly
reduce output current. The 50KV - 400ma "full output" rating is really
only good for one or two seconds, at most.
Regards,
Herr Zapp
Robert Davies <robert@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hello All, In my area here in Florida scrap metal prices are so high it
is basically impossible to find anything in the low budget or free
arena. It looks like I will have to buy a transformer. Which is ok by me
I just don't want to get stung. My question is what price range should I
be looking to pay for a suitable transformer. I found one on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180271844951&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123
Any advise would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Rob
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