Re: Optimum turns on sec of classic type Tesla coil

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: FutureT@xxxxxxx 


Work I've done in the past suggests that about 1300 to 1500 turns
is optimal for a small coil.  This gives the small coil a rather large
inductance, and permits the primary to use a rather high inductance
despite using the large value LTR caps which are so useful for NST
powered systems.  High inductance primaries tend to have lower
spark gap losses as Malcolm has shown in his excellent work.
The high number of turns also helps to keep the frequency low.
There is some evidence that a not-too-high frequency is helpful.

For a larger coil, it may be acceptable to use fewer turns because
the wider diameter and generally larger size will help to keep
the inductance high and the frequency low anyway.  It may be
OK to go as low as 1000 turns on a wide larger coil and still
obtain optimal results.

There is a wide range of wire sizes and number of turns that will
give good results.

As a general rule tall narrow coils should probably use more turns
to help keep the inductance high.

VTTC's seem to work well with fewer turns than SG tesla coils.

John