Re: Transformer build up

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Transformer build up
From: FutureT-at-aol-dot-com (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 17:37:19 -0600
Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

In a message dated 98-09-15 21:29:50 EDT, you write:

<<snip> But it was a pretty powerless spark
> (light blue in color and not very much current flowing I would guess) . All
> cores STILL have one side of the hv conneced. I am thinking of "CTing" the
> setup (where the 3rd and 4th xformers meet) and earthing this point. This
> should cut down the load the isolation has to carry >> snip

Reinhard,

I would definitely center tap the center cores of the secondary array to 
reduce the voltage stress.  I used a similar center tapped set-up using
4 MOT's, and I saw some corona between the core and the primary
but it held and gave me 64" sparks.  I didn't dunk the transformers in
oil.  My system drew 6kW using only the current limiting in the MOT's.
It's hard to predict if, or how long, the insulation will hold out.  You
have nothing to lose by trying it.  Have you tried searching for old
plate transformers from old amateur radio equipment or commercial
transmitting equipment, induction heaters, etc.  These are sometimes
rated at 3kV to 6kV at 1/2amp or so.  Two could be put in series, and
center tapped, etc.  Just another possibility.

John Freau