MOTs and Neon Transformers
IamSmooth, Mon Oct 09 2006, 01:25AMIf I were to use a pair of MOTs to power a Tesla coil, is there any difference in the spark output if I were to wire the secondaries in parallel for higher current versus wiring the secondaries in series for a higher potential? Would the spark just be shorter, but thicker for higher currents if the voltage is constant?
Other than the current limiting feature of a neon transformer is there any benefit of one type of transformer over the other (neon vs MOT)?
Re: MOTs and Neon Transformers
Nik, Mon Oct 09 2006, 04:36AM
I only use mots because they are available to me. Here are the pros and cons that I can think of for mots.
Cons:
They are dangerous beond any discription
They operate at a much lower voltage then a NST
Ballasting can be dificult
When seriesing the secondaries the insulations will not always stand up
They are heavy
Pros
They are easy to find
Its hard to kill them with the RF noise that NSTs can sometimes fail from
If you do manage to kill one you can always find a new one
Nik, Mon Oct 09 2006, 04:36AM
I only use mots because they are available to me. Here are the pros and cons that I can think of for mots.
Cons:
They are dangerous beond any discription
They operate at a much lower voltage then a NST
Ballasting can be dificult
When seriesing the secondaries the insulations will not always stand up
They are heavy
Pros
They are easy to find
Its hard to kill them with the RF noise that NSTs can sometimes fail from
If you do manage to kill one you can always find a new one
Re: MOTs and Neon Transformers
Part Scavenger, Mon Oct 09 2006, 10:01AM
1. Ideally, no. But in reality, the parallel (for higher current) would almost be impossible to quench in a spark gap, and higher voltage means both higher potential in the capacitor bank and lower resistance in the primary circuit. You will experience better results with MOT's in series.
2. MOT's are pretty indescructable, and can deliver insane amounts of power. NSTs are fragile, but they come in a nice package.
Part Scavenger, Mon Oct 09 2006, 10:01AM
1. Ideally, no. But in reality, the parallel (for higher current) would almost be impossible to quench in a spark gap, and higher voltage means both higher potential in the capacitor bank and lower resistance in the primary circuit. You will experience better results with MOT's in series.
2. MOT's are pretty indescructable, and can deliver insane amounts of power. NSTs are fragile, but they come in a nice package.
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