Re: Do I have this right? (rotary gap)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: FutureT@xxxxxxx 

In a message dated 6/17/05 2:47:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:


> Also, concerning syncing the motor with the electrodes. Its an oriental
> brand motor at 1800 RPM and I have four electrodes. When testing it under a
> flourescent light, the "black lines" are approx. pointing towards the screw
> holes on the motor, this is where the electrodes should be, right? Why is 
> this?
>
> I understand how a sync gap works, but am struggling to applying it with
> the geometry of the setup I'm planning.


You need to provide for a method of altering the phasing of the rotor.
This can be accomplished in a number of ways.  Some folks
put the motor onto a rotatable cradle, then rotate the entire
motor to change the phasing.  Other folks rotate the fixed
electrode assembly ( I don't like this method much ).  Another
way is to make a special hub that permits the rotor to be
rotated relative to the motor shaft as needed and fixed in
position.  I tried that one time.  My favorite method is to
build my electrical remote phase controller circuit which can
be seen at my website.  But if you don't expect to be
experimenting with the coil, and plan to use it as a
fixed demonstrator coil, then you may not want to bother
with the remote controller circuit.

  http://hometown.aol.com/futuret.page3.html

It's not really possible to judge beforehand what phasing is needed.
You have to run the coil and see what phasing is best.  The
phasing can be adjusted by trial and error for best spark length.
Or you can adjust the phase while the coil is running using the
remote phase controller.  The phase will need to be adjusted
for best spark lengths at a given power input.  If you set the
phase for longest sparks at low input power, then you'll need
to change the phase for longest sparks at a higher input power.

Most folks set the phase for the best sparks at full power, and
leave the rotary set that way.  For example on my TT-42
tabletop coil seen at my website, I use the cradle method
of adjusting the phase.  Once I set it, I leave it that way.
I didn't bother using the remote controller for that coil.
I use the remote controller for experimental coils.

John