Re: [TCML] How about some Tesla Coiling?

["Gary Peterson" <g.peterson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

http://www.teslaradio.com/images/fig8_schematic.gif

    A photograph of one of these finished instruments, Fig. 9, especially 
adapted to be used in the operation of Roentgen bulbs, or in general as a 
laboratory appliance in place of the ordinary induction coil, gives an idea 
of the actual arrangement of the parts. The condenser C, Fig. 8, is 
contained in a box B upon which is mounted in front the motor for 
controlling the circuits, in this instance simply a coil L actuating a 
spring s, fixed on top of the same. This coil, designated as the charging 
coil, serves at the same time to raise the pressure of the source to any 
value desired for charging the condenser. This is an important practical 
advantage, as it enables reduction of the capacity of the latter so that it 
need not be more than a few percent of that otherwise needed for an 
equivalent conversion of energy. Besides, the smaller the capacity, the 
quicker is the vibration and the shorter need be the high tension secondary 
.The discharge circuit p surrounding the secondary coil S is formed of a few 
turns of copper ribbon and mounted on the top of the box behind the charging 
coil, all connections being as short as possible so as to reduce as much as 
it is practicable both the self-induction and resistance of the discharge 
circuit. On the front side of the box, Fig. 9, containing the condenser, 
there are mounted the binding posts for connection with the line, two small 
fuses, and a reversing switch. In addition, two adjusting screws are 
provided for raising and lowering the iron core within the charging coil as 
a convenient means for varying within considerable limits the current of 
supply and regulating thereby the discharge of the secondary circuit. The 
instrument with rubber columns carrying the discharge rods, which are 
visible on the top, dismounted, can be enclosed in a box of 12 x 9 x 6 
inches inside measure.
    The mode of operation may be explained as follows: At the start, the 
spring contacts cc, Fig. 8, being closed and the condenser practically short 
circuited, a strong current passes through the charging coil attracting the 
armature fastened to the spring and separating the contacts. Upon this, the 
energy stored in the coil, assuming the form of a high tension discharge, 
rushes into the condenser charging the same to a high potential. The current 
through the coil now subsiding, the attraction exerted upon the armature 
ceases, and the spring reasserts itself and closes again the contacts. With 
the closing of the latter the condenser is discharged through the primary or 
discharge circuit, the constants of which are so chosen that an extremely 
rapid vibration of the electromagnetic system including the condenser and 
primary coil results. The currents of very high frequency thus obtained 
induce corresponding currents of high tension in the secondary. 
Simultaneously, however, with the discharging of the condenser, the current 
from the source of supply again rushes through the charging coil and energy 
is stored for the next charge of the condenser, this process being repeated 
as often as the spring opens and closes the contacts.
    Although the instrument contains all the essentials of an ordinary 
induction coil, it will be seen that its action is entirely different, and 
the advantages of this new principle over the old are so great as to hardly 
require any lengthy comment. Merely to convey true and more complete 
information I may mention a few of the most important ones.  Take, for 
instance, the economy. The instrument referred to takes on a 110-volt 
direct-current circuit, according to load and adjustment, from 5 to 30 
watts. It gives a powerful stream of sparks 6 inches in length, but if it be 
desired this distance can be easily doubled without increasing the energy 
consumed; in fact, I have found it practicable to produce by the use of this 
principle sparks of 1 foot in length involving no greater expenditure of 
energy than 10 watts. But in an instrument designed for a variety of uses, a 
departure must be made from a design insuring the greatest spark length. Of 
the total energy consumed by the apparatus, fully 80 percent can be obtained 
in the secondary circuit. Owing to the small total energy consumed and the 
efficiency of conversion, all parts of the instrument remain cool by long 
continued working with the exception of the contacts which, of course, are 
slightly heated. The latter are subject to much less deterioration than is 
commonly the case, as the condenser is small and, moreover, the current from 
the same does not, like in an ordinary coil, pass simply through the 
contacts and a few short connections, but has to traverse the primary coil, 
this reducing the current and diminishing very much the heating effects.



_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list
Tesla@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.pupman.com/mailman/listinfo/tesla