RE: [TCML] interesting spark gap idea

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

That's an excellent point - using something to control the blower speed.  If using a vacuum cleaner AC/DC "universal" motor, a triac-based lamp dimmer can be used if you want that instead of a variac (smaller & cheaper).  But my experience differs from Gary W's as far as the optimum speed setting.

I found that any speed beyond maybe 20% of full power offered no difference in spark performance.  It just made the vacuum cleaner motor louder, which I really didn't want.  And since a full-throttle vacuum cleaned motor can draw 10-12 Amps, I'd rather have as much of my 20 Amp breaker budget going to my NST and not so much to the gap blower.

Regards, Gary Lau
MA, USA



> -----Original Message-----
> From: tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tesla-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of gary350@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 9:18 AM
> To: Tesla Coil Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [TCML] interesting spark gap idea
> 
> This has been done. I have one and I have seen pics of other people spark gap.  It
> works best with a variac and a variable speed fan you can dial in the perfect air
> speed.  Turn the dial you can see the output spark get longer and shorter it only
> takes a few seconds to dial in maximun length sparks.  I use a vacuum cleaner
> motor on a RQ gap with 8 gaps of 3/4" x 2" copper pipe inside of a 4" PVC pipe 6"
> long.  I have posted pics in the past. For some reason Photobucket will not allow
> me to access page 2, 3, 4 and 5 I will post a pic later. It is called a Variable Speed
> Vacuum Fan Spark Gap = VSVFSG
> 
> Gary Weaver
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> >From: Dex Dexter <dexterlabs@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> >Sent: Feb 18, 2010 3:44 AM
> >To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> >Subject: Re: [TCML] interesting spark gap idea
> >
> >It should work if you make it properly.
> >Matter of fact good blower gaps are even better than sucker gaps.
> >
> >
> >Dex
> >
> >--- ndsteppii@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> >
> >From: Norman Stepp <ndsteppii@xxxxxxxxx>
> >To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> >Subject: [TCML] interesting spark gap idea
> >Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:40:11 -0800 (PST)
> >
> >I had an idea the other day for a static gap that I have never seen before. I haven't
> been able to construct one and try it yet due to lack of time/funds. I did draw a pic
> of it though,    http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab115/ndsteppii/SparkGap.jpg .
> Would this work? has it been done? Before I waste my time what do you think. I like
> the idea because it's something different. any and all criticism welcomed.
> >            Norm
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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