Re: [TCML] Beginner

[Neon Tesla <neontesla@xxxxxxxxx>]

         Get a neon sign transformer (NST) and build a Jacob's ladder.
It will teach you lots about high voltage that will be invaluable for
building a tesla coil.


On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 3:23 AM, Carl Bradley <old_fogey@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> >From the sixth through the twelfth grade, I entered the science fair
> every year---four of those years it was with a different Tesla coil
> experiment (transmission of energy, detection of powder size through spark
> diffusion, etc.)   With one exception, all of those coils used a model T
> Ford ignition coil as the power source---with one of the coils I achieved
> almost 2 foot sparks.  The spark coil and the secondary wire were the most
> expensive components--(nowadays, it would be the wire.)  Everything else
> was scrounged.   Every project won at least second place, most did better.
>  You can find numerous resources for this type of coil online, and in older
> books like the "Boy Electrician" by Alfred P. Morgan.  Good Luck.
>
> Brad "In a lifetime as a Seeker of Truth I have learned this ....... Be
> content with a good book, a dram of decent brandy and a pipeful of good
> tobacco."
>
>
>
> --- On Thu, 8/16/12, Zachary <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> From: Zachary <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [TCML] Beginner
> To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012, 6:06 PM
>
> You are correct about the money and the project. My dad has offered his
> help. He knows a lot about the safety aspect but none of the science of it.
> And I'd have to talk to the admins about whether or not it would be
> acceptable to bring into school. Knowing them though probably not. Though
> it is perfectly aceptable to doucement it with pictures, video, etc and
> show that.
>
> And I was reading that safety sheet on the pupman website. I was always
> told that the voltage doesn't usually matter and only a high amperage is
> dangerous, though that seems not to be the case.
> Also would it be a good idea to work with some sort of rubber gloves or
> would it not really make a difference at such a high voltage?
>
> On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 4:01 PM, Jonathan Peakall <jpeakall@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> >wrote:
>
> > OK, that's a start. I am assuming it is for a project and that you don't
> > have much money. Do you have an adult helping you? Is it for
> demonstration
> > at school or home use? Are your guardians cool with you working with high
> > voltage?
> >
> > For starters, look into auto ignition coil powered coils or OBITs (oil
> > burner ignition transformer). These are the two lowest power and hence
> > safest types of coil to start with. It's not going to make a spectacular
> > coil, but it's a good place to start.
> >
> > Do a LOT of research into safety. It's possible to get killed by the
> > smallest of coils, there is no such thing as a safe TC.
> >
> > Jonathan
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Zachary" <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
> > To: "Tesla Coil Mailing List" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> > Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:35 PM
> > Subject: Re: [TCML] Beginner
> >
> >
> >  Ok. Well I have pretty much no experience with electricity. I'm just a
> >> senior in highschool so my resources are limited. I'm just wondering
> what
> >> are the best books or websites that I should use.
> >>
> >>
> >> On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 2:57 PM, Jonathan Peakall <
> jpeakall@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> >> >wrote:
> >>
> >>  As a rule, giving as much information as possible makes it easier to
> >>> answer your questions. For example, we don't know if you have any
> >>> experience with electricity or not. You could be an EE or you might not
> >>> have ever changed a fuse. We don't know if you are young or old, are
> rich
> >>> or poor, if you live in a house or in an apartment building and so on.
> >>> all
> >>> of these things make a difference.
> >>>
> >>> Also, do some research on your own and then ask something specific,
> like
> >>> "should I start with a pole pig or an auto ignition coil".  We're happy
> >>> to
> >>> help, but we need to know more and that you have done some research on
> >>> your
> >>> own.
> >>>
> >>> Jonathan
> >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <zacml123@xxxxxxxxx>
> >>> To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> >>> Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:21 AM
> >>> Subject: [TCML] Beginner
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>  So where do I start?
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-- 
*Don't lower your expectations, raise the voltage !*
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