Re: [TCML] 5.25" SRSG tesla coil suggestions on improving performance

[David Rieben <drieben@xxxxxxx>]

JJ,
 
Cangrats on getting the noted increase in your coil's performance. It is always truly exciting to watch your
sparks grow with additional "tweaks" to your system ;^)
 
From looking at your setup, a couple of things come to mind. First of all, I see that you are dealing with the 
same issue that most coilers who are always striving for ever bigger sparks have to contend with - you are
rapidly running out of adequate space! Pretty much any spark output in excess of 4 to 5 ft. is gonna serious-
ly start to challenge the easements of a typical home garage, especially with standard 8 ft. ceilings. I noticed 
that the sparks are striking your Dracula hung bicycle fairly consistently and often continue from the bicycle 
frame to the ceiling! Keep in mind those sparks are indeed HOT and can sometimes ignite combustible ma-
terials in which they come in contact with! Ask me how I know this! ;^o Also, your garage door opener 
mechanism does not appear too much outside of the "strike zone", either. And yes, a spark hit to that box or 
the metal track that's mounted to it can instantly fry the sensitive electronics inside. This is also something that 
I've learned the "hard way". Not trying to be a wet blanket here, just trying to emphasize safety and hopefully 
keep you from having to learn these things the hard way, too. ;^)
 
Finally, on a lighter note, did you ever gap your strike ring to prevent the shorted turn? I can't really tell from 
the video image.
 
David Rieben
 
From: JJ Dasher <redrum0381@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2013 9:08 PM
Subject: Re: [TCML] 5.25" SRSG tesla coil suggestions on improving performance


Scott and all,
ASRSG was the key!  I found a DC motor that fits perfectly in my sync motor's cradle, so it was a direct swap.  Fed it with a bench adjustable power supply, and here are the results with a rough tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2zR48p2hmA


And that's a rough tune, with my cap still missing 3 strings!  Streamers are around 48" now, MUCH hotter, and more stable.  I'll get another video tonight when its not as bright out in the garage.

Yea, I'm still using the acrylic disc.  I am working on locating some tufnol or similar so I can build a better disc.  I also have a pair of 1/4" tungsten electrodes on the way to replace the stationarys so they don't heat up as fast.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!  I'll keep you updated as it continues to evolve.

-JJ
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