Smaller NST tesla
HVPaul, Thu Oct 08 2009, 06:04PMAlright, so after ordering a completely wrong type of NST PSU I got a proper iron-core 6060 unit coming.
Now here's a problem I haven't thought of before. I live in a relatively small apartment and I probably would not want to build a TC that would draw 6 foot sparks or anything more than a foot long.
How small can I make a NST powered SGTC for practical use?
I noticed someone has made a briefcase type of SGTC in the Projects section but no plans or specific parameters were posted. That's probably the scale of a TC I'm going for.
Any advice on the matter appreciated!
Re: Smaller NST tesla
Zenador, Thu Oct 08 2009, 07:47PM
My small NST SGTC (5kV, 30mA) was built on on a 1'sq base, and stood 2.5' high, including an 8" sphere TL. SG was single gap computer fan quenched, and only produced 10" streamers, good enough for me on my first attempt. MMC was 2x4 47nF 2kV WIMA caps, for 23.5nF @ 8kV, so nothing too big.
There are SGTC calculators online (java based and downloadable) you can use to help design it. I factored in my NST and worked the numbers will I got a desired streamer length, and built that.
Others will tell you to understand everything before you build, and that's good advice - but I was impatient. Guess I was lucky mine worked...
Zenador, Thu Oct 08 2009, 07:47PM
My small NST SGTC (5kV, 30mA) was built on on a 1'sq base, and stood 2.5' high, including an 8" sphere TL. SG was single gap computer fan quenched, and only produced 10" streamers, good enough for me on my first attempt. MMC was 2x4 47nF 2kV WIMA caps, for 23.5nF @ 8kV, so nothing too big.
There are SGTC calculators online (java based and downloadable) you can use to help design it. I factored in my NST and worked the numbers will I got a desired streamer length, and built that.
Others will tell you to understand everything before you build, and that's good advice - but I was impatient. Guess I was lucky mine worked...
Re: Smaller NST tesla
Gunboat, Thu Oct 15 2009, 02:12PM
well,I found a web site (this guy really did build this) but it might be an idea as to where to start out...
Do a google search for "Trashy tesla coil"...built out of junk,but,it might give you some ideas as to building a smaller coil that won't burn the place down
Gunboat, Thu Oct 15 2009, 02:12PM
well,I found a web site (this guy really did build this) but it might be an idea as to where to start out...
Do a google search for "Trashy tesla coil"...built out of junk,but,it might give you some ideas as to building a smaller coil that won't burn the place down
Re: Smaller NST tesla
Zeus, Tue Nov 10 2009, 10:44PM
If you google Java TC that is a good design
program. Also this should be in Tesla coils.
Zeus, Tue Nov 10 2009, 10:44PM
If you google Java TC that is a good design
program. Also this should be in Tesla coils.
Re: Smaller NST tesla
Antonio, Tue Nov 10 2009, 11:14PM
I have several versions using the same coil and the same 5 kV 30 mA NST, that would not burn by house down:
Antonio, Tue Nov 10 2009, 11:14PM
I have several versions using the same coil and the same 5 kV 30 mA NST, that would not burn by house down:
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