Re: Double Throw Spark Gap (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:27:11 -0700
From: Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Double Throw Spark Gap (fwd)

Tesla list wrote:
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 23:46:38 -0500
> From: Crispy <crispy@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: Double Throw Spark Gap (fwd)
> 
> Thanks a lot, Bert.  That pretty much sums up everything I've been
> saying.  Sometimes I'm not the best at getting across ideas, but that
> was great.
> 
> I'd just like to add one note - you talk about the charging arc drawing
> out due to the high charging current.  Although this is completely true,
> I don't think it's particularly relevant.  The time it will take to
> complete the charging cycle is, by my calculations, so short, that the
> arc really shouldn't have to stretch at all.
> 
> Also, I have another question somewhat unrelated to this thread, but
> goes along with the University limits.  I obviously need an RF ground,
> but I'm not allowed to pound anything into the ground.  So, I need a
> counterpoise.  I have virtually no idea on what is acceptable here.  Is
> a 1ft x 1ft square covered in the middle with many layers of chicken
> wire acceptable?
> 
> Thanks,
> Chris B aka. Crispy


A counterpoise made of chicken wire is a great idea.  But only one layer 
is needed, but it needs to be bigger.  make its radius = height of 
topload above the counterpoise.  So, if your coil is, say, a meter tall 
sitting on the desk, the counterpoise should be about 2x2 meters.