Re: Aaaaaaa!! My NST is toast! Salvage tips?

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Richard W. by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <potluck-at-xmission-dot-com>

Hi Steve,
I'm inclined to believe that rewinding may be a LOT more work than it's
worth since the core is relatively small. And I don't think you'll even come
close to the original voltage. Core size (estimating 3 sq in cross-section)
would limit volts/turn to around 1/2 volt so getting 7.5Kv from one
secondary would require about 15,000 turns. Not to mention problems with
insulation.

Might make a nice ballast though if wrapped with #10 or #12 magnet wire.

Rick W.
Salt Lake

----- Original Message -----
From: Tesla list <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2002 4:51 PM
Subject: Aaaaaaa!! My NST is toast! Salvage tips?


 > Original poster: "Stephen Conner by way of Terry Fritz
<twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <steve-at-scopeboy-dot-com>
 >
 > HI guys, I'm sure you've been here before and I wonder if you could give
me
 > some advice... My NST just died. One of the legs is shorting to ground. I
 > suppose this is what I get for using a resonant cap instead of LTR!
 >
 > I removed the steel case but it made no difference, which suggests that
 > it's shorting to the core. I tested to see if I could melt the potting
 > compound, but it burns instead of melting. It is a very hard brittle amber
 > substance so I guess it must be some kind of thermosetting resin, not tar.
 > So that rules out the oven trick.
 >
 > My plan is to carefully chisel the resin off and see if I can find where
 > it's arcing. If I accidentally trash the windings while chiselling (more
 > than likely) plan 'B' is to just set fire to the whole lot in a trash can
 > in the yard. That way I should be able to salvage the core and I can try
 > winding my own transformer. I know it's easier to just get another NST, or
 > a couple of MOTs, but I fancy the challenge.
 >
 > Is this going to work? Does anyone know a better way? Can I salvage the
 > core like that or will the heat from the fire mess up its magnetic
 > properties? Your $.02 would be much appreciated. Merry Christmas!
 >
 > Steve C.
 >
 >
 >
 >