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Static Gap Question??
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From: Bert Hickman [SMTP:bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 1998 8:40 AM
To: Tesla List
Subject: Re: Static Gap Question??
Tesla List wrote:
>
> ----------
> From: Zuma [SMTP:mwise-at-ns.sosis-dot-com]
> Sent: Sunday, January 25, 1998 8:36 PM
> To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject: Static Gap Question??
>
> On my past two coils I ran the gaps in the type setup. Until now I just
> realized that I don't think it was quenching for peak performance.
> My gaps consist of this, two 6 inch long metal pieces (they are at 90
> degrees in the shape of an 'L') they have 7 holes drilled in each piece,
> I place 7 bolts on each metal piece, then each of the bolts have a cap
> nut on them (rounded). These two pieces are mounted parallel to each
> other, then I wound set the distance between the gaps to about .2 each.
> But what I just realized is that regardless of the seven total gaps, I
> noticed that the sparks would jump around to different electrodes but
> they never fired all together. Which I think was not giving me total
> quenching. I never noticed because I guess that I was satisfied with
> my first coils output (20 inches/15000-at-30ma) and my second coils output
> (9 inches/7500-at-30ma). Also on my first coil I used a fan on it to
> quench.
>
> Could someone tell me me if this is right. If it is I am probably going
> to find me a new setup for my spark gap.
>
> Thanks, Chris
Chris,
Your configuration is basically one gap. When equally spaced spark gaps
are connected in parallel, only one gap can fire at any time. For better
quenching you need to connect a number of gaps in series AND use a flow
of cooling air to remove ions and cool down the electrodes. Each gap
should be proportionally reduced - for example, 8 gaps at 0.030 will
give you a total gap of 0.24" and MUCH better quenching than any single
gap with the same air flow. Hope this helps!
-- Bert --