Re: [TCML] Minimum number of MMC strings?

[jhowson4@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Well in general following this chart is a sure bet for a solid MMC design when using NST's 
http://host.teslamad.com/mmc.pdf 


I'm not certain where the 5 string minimum came from, but I have seen people run coils with a single string before. 

In general if you can keep your caps close to spec on the RMS and peak currents, they will do just fine. 
The max peak current depends on your overall capacitance and charge voltage and primary inductance, resistance. 
Calculating the RMS current for a tesla coil tank circuit is a challenge, as their is not a simple set formula to follow. 
So looking at what coils people have built before is a good way to find a rule a thumb parallel string approximation to follow for a particular power level of coil, and capacitor size/spark gap type. 
Conveniently that is already done for you in the above table, which if I remember correctly is also optimized for the best spark output. 



Cheers, 
John "Jay" Howson IV 


"Why thank you, I will be happy to take those electrons off your hands." 

----- Original Message -----
From: "adam karvonen" <adam.karvonen@xxxxxxxxx> 
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Wednesday, August 7, 2013 10:59:35 PM 
Subject: [TCML] Minimum number of MMC strings? 

Hi, 

I am in the process of designing my first tesla coil. It uses a 9 kv 30 ma 
NST, which gives a LTR cap size of about 0.0133 uf tank cap. While 
designing the MMC, I have come across conflicting advice on MMC design. On this 
tesla coil design 
guide<http://www.tiagoespinha.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/259168-Tesla-Coil-Construction-Plans.pdf>, 
the author writes that "You should always have at least 5 strings in 
parallel (increase string length if necessary), 
because each string has to deliver huge currents. If you have multiple 
strings in series, 
each string will have to contribute less current and it will last longer 
than if you have just 
one string (which would blast in an instant.)" 

However, I have seen plenty of MMCs with just 1 or 2 strings. For example, 
there is this <http://www.tb3.com/tesla/capacitors/capacitors.html>, 
this<http://www.halice.com/physics/4coil.html>and 
this <http://www.derivedlogic.com/TeslaCoil/TeslaCoil.html>. How many MMC 
strings would I need for my 270 watt transformer? I would prefer to use 
fewer strings to save money. 

Thanks! 

Adam 
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