"LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Thu Aug 04 2016, 02:43AMMy last VTTC project. This project started one year ago, but only a month ago, the first sparks were obtained.
The objective of the project - to build a powerful vacuum tube Tesla coil on the basis of soviet metal-glass high-power air-cooled tetrode GU-39B-1. This tube is capable to dissipate at the plate power around 6kW. And its output power is 13kW.
It was made the plate and filament transformers. The filament transformer provides 6,6V and 100A. Plate transformer is wound on the base of the output transformer of the high power tube audio amplifier UPV-1,25 (russian УПВ-1,25) used two GU-81M tube in push-pull output stage. Its core is made up of steel plates of thickness 0.35 mm (core sectional area of 49cm^2). It provides voltage 5kV and 2A peak Ñurrent (nominally 1,5Ð)
In the power supply used level shifter with eight 1uF 16KV capacitors and homemade diode pack at 50kV and 3a. All ceramic capacitors in circuit - soviet K15U-1 ("doorknob") or K15U-2 type.
The tube installed in a steel cylinder with polyamide insulator at the bottom. Centrifugal fan "bahcivan aorb" (BRDS 180-60, 1200 m³/h) is used to cool the tube. Tube operates in triode.
The secondary winding contains 800 turns of 1mm copper wire on 160x800mm PVC pipe. Epoxy coating. 20x5cm aluminium toroid is installed.
The primary is a 35 turns of 4mm copper wire on 250x500mm PVC pipe. Taps on each turn, starting with the 28th turn. Winding height is 28cm. MMC capacity is 2nF (4x470pf).
Feedback winding has 14 turns of 1.5mm copper wire (taps of the first 5 turns). Located above the primary winding. Grid leak circuit is 200 Ohm and 14nF.
Tesla Coil working in staccato mode. In the cathode circuit installed triac, which is controlled by circuit in 555 timers (based of the staccato cotroller of Steve Ward).
At this moment VTTC gives streamers up to 1.5m length. The length of the streamers is limited to the power of the plate transformer and power mains capability (mains 230V 50Hz, current consumption up to 40A).
Video here: (work with triac)
And here: (work with thyratron TR1-5/2)
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Mads Barnkob, Thu Aug 04 2016, 06:32AM
Wow. You did a great and throurough job on this coil.
Windigns transformers, many bits and pieces home made, I really like it.
The sparks are beautiful, bit of a shame that the loud air cooling ruins the lovely sound of the sparks. CW mode is insane :)
I am wondering if you should try a larger topload to avoid so much near horizontal branching, was in the picture where sparks hit the tube heat connections :)
Would you mind sharing how you incorporated the thyratron tube as modulator?
Mads Barnkob, Thu Aug 04 2016, 06:32AM
Wow. You did a great and throurough job on this coil.
Windigns transformers, many bits and pieces home made, I really like it.
The sparks are beautiful, bit of a shame that the loud air cooling ruins the lovely sound of the sparks. CW mode is insane :)
I am wondering if you should try a larger topload to avoid so much near horizontal branching, was in the picture where sparks hit the tube heat connections :)
Would you mind sharing how you incorporated the thyratron tube as modulator?
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Hydron, Thu Aug 04 2016, 12:20PM
Very impressive!
Thanks for sharing the photos/videos of the coil.
Hydron, Thu Aug 04 2016, 12:20PM
Very impressive!
Thanks for sharing the photos/videos of the coil.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Thu Aug 04 2016, 03:32PM
Thank you! But still a lot of work before the final realization of the project. Here is a photo of thyratron interrupter. It consists of a thyratron, the filament transformer (thyratron requires 5V and 15A), the bias power supply and IRFP450 MOSFET. The value of the negative bias on the grid of thyratron is about 24-30v. Interrupter works from my synchronous staccato controller unit (shown in photo).
Soviet mercury thyratrons TR1-5/2
And the video, where interrupter operates as a dimmer (use mains 230V and 300W bulb load):
Avenger, Thu Aug 04 2016, 03:32PM
Thank you! But still a lot of work before the final realization of the project. Here is a photo of thyratron interrupter. It consists of a thyratron, the filament transformer (thyratron requires 5V and 15A), the bias power supply and IRFP450 MOSFET. The value of the negative bias on the grid of thyratron is about 24-30v. Interrupter works from my synchronous staccato controller unit (shown in photo).
Soviet mercury thyratrons TR1-5/2
And the video, where interrupter operates as a dimmer (use mains 230V and 300W bulb load):
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Thu Aug 04 2016, 03:36PM
The circuit of the thyratron interrupter shown in the photo. Negative bias power supply and VTTC generator unit is not shown.
Avenger, Thu Aug 04 2016, 03:36PM
The circuit of the thyratron interrupter shown in the photo. Negative bias power supply and VTTC generator unit is not shown.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Patrick, Thu Aug 04 2016, 07:09PM
That glowing vacuum tube looks so cool.
Patrick, Thu Aug 04 2016, 07:09PM
That glowing vacuum tube looks so cool.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Mads Barnkob, Fri Aug 05 2016, 06:40AM
Thank you for all the extra information.
I have for many years, since I built my first VTTC in 2009, had a large QB5/2000 tube (2kW plate dissipation) and recently bought a TGI-700/25 thyratron tube(that however is mismatched with operating the QB5/2000), so your thread here sparked a little on getting on with the planning of that project :)
Mads Barnkob, Fri Aug 05 2016, 06:40AM
Thank you for all the extra information.
I have for many years, since I built my first VTTC in 2009, had a large QB5/2000 tube (2kW plate dissipation) and recently bought a TGI-700/25 thyratron tube(that however is mismatched with operating the QB5/2000), so your thread here sparked a little on getting on with the planning of that project :)
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Dr. H., Fri Aug 05 2016, 11:57AM
From a big tube lover - GREAT project
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
Well we can't argue wit the coolness factor.
Dr. H., Fri Aug 05 2016, 11:57AM
From a big tube lover - GREAT project
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
Well we can't argue wit the coolness factor.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Fri Aug 05 2016, 09:18PM
The advantage of using a thyratron is not found. So now I use TRIAC interrupter.
Avenger, Fri Aug 05 2016, 09:18PM
Dr. H. wrote ...
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
The advantage of using a thyratron is not found. So now I use TRIAC interrupter.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Mads Barnkob, Sat Aug 06 2016, 04:40PM
Differences between cathode modulation and anode modulation,
Mads Barnkob, Sat Aug 06 2016, 04:40PM
Avenger wrote ...
The advantage of using a thyratron is not found. So now I use TRIAC interrupter.
Dr. H. wrote ...
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
Just a question (not being smart or anything -really asking) - what is the advantage of using a thyratron over the simpler triac-staccato circuit ?
The advantage of using a thyratron is not found. So now I use TRIAC interrupter.
Differences between cathode modulation and anode modulation,
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Sulaiman, Sat Aug 06 2016, 08:09PM
jaw-dropping !
fantastic
you must have very considerate (or terrified) neighbours :)
off now to look again,
thanks for sharing.
Sulaiman, Sat Aug 06 2016, 08:09PM
jaw-dropping !
fantastic
you must have very considerate (or terrified) neighbours :)
off now to look again,
thanks for sharing.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Dr. H., Sun Aug 07 2016, 05:37AM
Hi guys,
Mads - as far as I can see - he is using the thyratron just as a normal triac (both implemented as cathode modulation) or I missed something - this is why I asked.
P.S. I like it more with the thyratron
Dr. H., Sun Aug 07 2016, 05:37AM
Hi guys,
Mads - as far as I can see - he is using the thyratron just as a normal triac (both implemented as cathode modulation) or I missed something - this is why I asked.
P.S. I like it more with the thyratron
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Sun Aug 07 2016, 04:55PM
Exactly. I use thyratron as a triac (installed in the cathode circuit).
And yes, it looks more cool)
Avenger, Sun Aug 07 2016, 04:55PM
Dr. H. wrote ...
Mads - as far as I can see - he is using the thyratron just as a normal triac (both implemented as cathode modulation) or I missed something - this is why I asked.
Mads - as far as I can see - he is using the thyratron just as a normal triac (both implemented as cathode modulation) or I missed something - this is why I asked.
Exactly. I use thyratron as a triac (installed in the cathode circuit).
And yes, it looks more cool)
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Sat Jul 01 2017, 09:23PM
Frames of both units are made. Generator unit and power supply unit. Frames are welded from 4mm steel. Both frames are equipped with wheels for comfortable movement.
Avenger, Sat Jul 01 2017, 09:23PM
Frames of both units are made. Generator unit and power supply unit. Frames are welded from 4mm steel. Both frames are equipped with wheels for comfortable movement.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
teravolt, Mon Jul 03 2017, 03:30AM
it is great you plan to make it permanent. I also have one GU-39B-1 have you tried modulating the grid? At some point I would like to do this project. However I don't want to do the standard Armstrong oscillator but modulate the grid with a h-bridge that is fed by the feed back coil
teravolt, Mon Jul 03 2017, 03:30AM
it is great you plan to make it permanent. I also have one GU-39B-1 have you tried modulating the grid? At some point I would like to do this project. However I don't want to do the standard Armstrong oscillator but modulate the grid with a h-bridge that is fed by the feed back coil
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Mon Jul 03 2017, 10:44AM
No, I have not tried modulating the tube on a grid. The standard VTTC scheme is chosen because of its simplicity. In the meantime, I began to estimate out the layout of the circuit elements.
Avenger, Mon Jul 03 2017, 10:44AM
No, I have not tried modulating the tube on a grid. The standard VTTC scheme is chosen because of its simplicity. In the meantime, I began to estimate out the layout of the circuit elements.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
klugesmith, Mon Jul 03 2017, 05:31PM
Your VTTC is a magnificent piece of work. A pleasure to behold.
The new steel carts are icing on the cake. Have you already picked a color of paint for them?
klugesmith, Mon Jul 03 2017, 05:31PM
Your VTTC is a magnificent piece of work. A pleasure to behold.
The new steel carts are icing on the cake. Have you already picked a color of paint for them?
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Tue Jul 04 2017, 05:32PM
Black. Only black color)
Avenger, Tue Jul 04 2017, 05:32PM
klugesmith wrote ...
Have you already picked a color of paint for them?
Have you already picked a color of paint for them?
Black. Only black color)
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Wed Jul 12 2017, 08:10AM
The case of the generator unit is complete
Avenger, Wed Jul 12 2017, 08:10AM
The case of the generator unit is complete
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Wed Feb 21 2018, 05:01PM
Hi! I continue to assemble the generator unit. The filament circuit and the cathode bypass battery are mounted. A current transformer is installed in the filament circuit to measure the heating current. The circuit was successfully checked.
Avenger, Wed Feb 21 2018, 05:01PM
Hi! I continue to assemble the generator unit. The filament circuit and the cathode bypass battery are mounted. A current transformer is installed in the filament circuit to measure the heating current. The circuit was successfully checked.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Dr. H., Thu Feb 22 2018, 08:03AM
Hi Avenger,
great work :)
Have you thought of not hiding all of that beauty ? I see you are planning on using opaque sides.
Best Regards
Dr. H., Thu Feb 22 2018, 08:03AM
Hi Avenger,
great work :)
Have you thought of not hiding all of that beauty ? I see you are planning on using opaque sides.
Best Regards
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Thu Feb 22 2018, 12:19PM
I want to install plexiglas windows on the side panels of generator unit.
Avenger, Thu Feb 22 2018, 12:19PM
I want to install plexiglas windows on the side panels of generator unit.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Mon Aug 13 2018, 10:59PM
I continue the assembly. Windings and the interrupter unit is installed.
Avenger, Mon Aug 13 2018, 10:59PM
I continue the assembly. Windings and the interrupter unit is installed.
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Sun Aug 19 2018, 03:07PM
Tesla coil is running. The power supply is still on the layout. MMC - 4 x 470pf 20kV capacitors. It started immediately, even without adjustment.
Video:
Avenger, Sun Aug 19 2018, 03:07PM
Tesla coil is running. The power supply is still on the layout. MMC - 4 x 470pf 20kV capacitors. It started immediately, even without adjustment.
Video:
Re: "LightningStorm" vacuum tube Tesla coil project
Avenger, Sun Aug 19 2018, 03:15PM
Photos (the window was closed and I could not edit the message)
Avenger, Sun Aug 19 2018, 03:15PM
Photos (the window was closed and I could not edit the message)
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