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Tesla Coil questions from a beginner (fwd)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 21:06:45 -0400
From: Bob <bob985-at-earthling-dot-net>
To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Tesla Coil questions from a beginner
I am new to the list and the hobby of building Tesla coils. I was
hardly aware this kind of hobby existed several months ago, but now am
*very* interested. :-)
I have learned a lot by browsing web pages and by reading the postings
in the last few weeks, but I still have many questions.
Basically, on my first coil, I want to get somewhere from 12-24 inch
sparks, but can't have more than 24 inch sparks due to safety concerns.
I plan to use a section of dryer venting for the toroid, make the
capacitors out of glass bottles, and have the secondary somewhere
around 24-30 inches tall.
-What are the advantages/ disadvantages of using 36 vs. 26 gauge wire
for the secondary?
I am assuming that with the 36 there would be more windings, and
therefore a higher output voltage and longer sparks. Is this correct?
Would a section of 4 inch diameter tubing be better than 2 inch diameter
tubing for longer sparks?
Generally, what output would I be looking for on a transformer?
(6-15KV?, 30ma, 60ma+?)
How much improvement would a RQ spark gap show over a spark gap made of
angle irons and bolts? Would this be overkill for a coil this size?
What kinds of wire would I use to supply the power to the primary?
(maybe) Over a cement floor?
Neon sign wire? Regular 12 gauge wire in electrical conduit?
Will running this in a garage just below a computer and dozens of 3.5
diskettes do nasty things to the circuitry and/or data stored?
Will I have to build a Faraday cage?
Essentially, what would give me the 12-24 inch sparks for the lowest
cost?
Thanks for any questions you might answer.
-Bob