Re: Beginner questions

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Esondrmn@xxxxxxx 

Tyler,

The wire size used for connecting the tank components (primary, cap and 
gap) depends on the power level that you are running at.  My 3" coil uses a 
15 kv 60 ma transformer for power and the primary interconnect wire is # 10 
solid copper.  My 6" coil uses a 14.4 kv  5 kva distribution transformer 
and the interconnect wire is 3/8" diameter copper tubing.

Yes, cutting slots into the hdpe supports is very helpful.  I would suggest 
drilling holes in the hdpe radial supports up from the bottom, tap them for 
maybe a # 8 or # 10 x 32 screw and then lay them out and mount them to a 
plywood base.  For a copper tubing  primary, you do not want to "wind" 
it.  If you try bending it much at all, it will be very difficult.  You 
want to just use it as it comes out of the box, already wound into a coil, 
usually just about the right diameter so little work is needed to form it 
into position.  I have a discussion at my web site:
<http://members.aol.com/esondrmn/index.html>TESLA WEB PAGE
about my methods for building the primary.

Good luck,

Ed Sonderman


In a message dated 2/10/05 7:49:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
Original poster: Tyler Pauly <rpggod714@xxxxxxxxx>

   Hello, I'm building my first coil. I have some
questions that only need to be asked once. They are:

1. What do you use to connect the "parts - aka the
capacitor, transformer, primary, etc.? Do you use
house wire (12 gauge)?

2. Do you have any words of wisdom on constructing the
primary? Mine will be 12 turns of .25 copper tubing
held by HDPE cutting board. They start at 6" diam. to
17". I originally planned for 6 supports, but not only
was it incredibly hard to "wind" it, but the glue
holding the plastic to the board support gave out. I
know glue wasn't the best idea, so I'm now routing
ruts into my board to slip the strips of HDPE into.
I'm kind of struggling. There's got to be an easier
way to this. Any ideas?

                    Thanks for the help,
                        Tyler