RE: [TCML] Tesla Coil Problem: Capacitors?

["Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@xxxxxx>]

The problem is that the NST you have is a solid-state high frequency type.  I base this on the unit's size and weight.  And, the manufacturer clearly states:

These units are not intended for use on projects such as Jacob's Ladder or Electronic Air-Cleaners/Ozone Generators. They can not be used to produce an arc or generate ozone. Please do not purchase this item with the intent to use it for something beyond gas tube power supply.

I can't say that it's impossible to use such a unit in a TC, but I'm unaware of anyone who has.  And it's definitely not a drop-in equivalent for a proper core and coil NST.  Sorry!

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Scott
> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 5:55 AM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [TCML] Tesla Coil Problem: Capacitors?
>
> Hey there Telsa List!
> I have been working on my first coil for about 4 months now and I'm almost
> sure it's one issue away from sparks....
> My problem is a little tricky, so I'm gonna be as detailed as possible here
> (sorry for the massive post).
>
> First off:
> The coil is built around a 10kv 30ma neon sign transformer with stupid evil
> GFP: Here's the description from the maker:
> http://www.jcmimports-prostore.net/servlet/Detail?no=2
>
> The spark gap is made of 8 copper electrodes, about 1-2mm spacing between
> each
>
> Primary and seconardy/topload all match and are correct size according to
> the calculators from deepfiredneon:
> http://deepfriedneon.com/tesla_frame0.html
>
> The secondary and strike rail are "grounded" to a large steel spike hammered
> 2 to 3 feet into wet Earth.  The grounding tab on the sign transformer is
> not connected to anything.
>
> When everything is wired according up in a complete circuit and power is
> added, nothing happens.  If the primary connection point is changed,
> nothing.  It the spark gap size is increased or decreased, nothing.  What
> gets interesting is when the circuit is slightly broken at some point (an
> ark is drawn between any 2 components) it either fights to keep current
> running through the cap-primary loop, or if that is impossible, it just
> completes the circuit through the spark gap, ignoring the primary loop.  It
> won't do both actions at once (fire the spark gap while the circuit is
> completed).  I know the primary coil/gap is working because whenever the two
> are connected (with some kind of arc in the loop) a florescent light will
> light up when over the primary.
>
> I'm almost certain the caps are to blame for two reasons: they are not
> breaking down the spark gap when put in the right place in series, and when
> they are removed from the circuit completely, it acts the same way.  I am
> using these caps: http://www.vishay.com/docs/28124/mmkp383.pdf
> (0.047uF at 1600volts, wired as 2 series strings of 12 in parallel (24 caps
> total, overall rating of 0.0078 uF and 19200 volts).  Each cap was tested,
> and it holds its charge under low voltage, and discharges with a spark.  No
> bleed resistors...yet.  The cap bank produces a different ark than the NST
> when arced to the primary coil (a high pitched crackling instead of a low
> hum), but this tone can only be heard at that connection.
>
> Alright, thanks for reading so far.  So what do you guys think is going on?
> How can I test my caps to be sure they work alright?  Do you see an obvious
> problem with another component?  I will check back frequently, so feel free
> to send in ideas or questions.
>
> Thanks a lot guys, now let's get this working!
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