Hi Brandon,
Yes, it's definitely possible to have a toroid that's too big. If the toroid
is too big, sparks will only break out when using a breakout point or
bump.
The proper size of toroid depends on how many sparks you want to
see coming off the toroid. If the toroid is large enough to produce
only one spark streamer... well then you'll get one streamer. If the
toroid is smaller, then you'll get two streamers, and if smaller yet,
then you'll get 3 streamers, etc. The smaller the toroid, the more
streamers, but they'll be shorter.
I happen to like the look when the streamers oscillate from side
to side of the toroid and occasionally show 2 full streamers. This
will give pretty long sparks and good spark action. To me this is
the most exciting type of look. Some folks prefer a full head of
streamers, etc.
Low break rate coils probably need a little larger toroid to get just
one streamer.
On my TT-42 TC which gives 42" sparks using a robust 12/30 NST,
I use a 4" x 13" spun toroid and I get about 3 simultaneous sparks
I guess. I tested a 6" x 24" toroid on the coil and it gave a single
streamer but needed a breakout bump to break out reliably.
Clearly a 6" x 24" toroid was too large in my view. However the
sparks were a little longer, about 44" or so. I didn't try a 5" x 16"
toroid, but that would have been interesting to try. Folks often use
a 5" x 16" spun toroid for a 15/60 NST powered coil. I used to offer
a 5" x 16" size but it was just too time consuming to make.
I do offer a 4" x 13" spun toroid ($165, free shipping in USA,
as-spun finish). Amazing Science ( www.amazing1.com/toroids.htm )
offers a 4.5" x 18" toroid for about $240 I think plus shipping. I have
no connection with them.
My website is:
http://futuret.110mb.com
Cheers,
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Brandon Hendershot <brandonhendershot@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Tesla Coil Mailing List <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sun, Feb 19, 2012 5:55 pm
Subject: [TCML] Toroid Size
Hi List,
It's been quite a while since I hung up coiling, looks like the bug's back
though.
So I finally got myself a job and some stable income (:D) and can finally
afford to buy a spun aluminum toroid for my coil.
First question; Can you have a toroid that's simply TOO big? I'm suspecting
that my 4"x16" Al Ducting/Pie Pan do-dad is a bit too small. Would a 6"x24"
Spun Al toroid be too big of a jump?
I suppose it would be helpful to plug it into JavaTC, but It's not working
on my browser right now, and I simply don't want to measure my up whole
coil again (old PC died).
Before I go through that errand, does anybody have any wisdom for me
regarding using bigger toroids?
You can see how my 4"x16" looks here: teslacoilers.blogspot.com
Thanks Everyone,
Brandon H.
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