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Registered Member #2423
Joined: Tue Oct 06 2009, 02:49AM
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 10
Hello All, I have acquired a 15KV, 30mA NST in order to build a Smallish demo coil (Spark Gap fired). I had a couple of questions:
RF Ground - If I am looking for 3 - 6 inch streamers or so, how necessary is an RF ground? I have seen several threads where people suggest a "Ground Plate". Will this really work?
Secondary - I know there are quite a few resources on the web for designing coils, but if I am aiming for 3 to 6 inch streamers (if this is even possible with my NST) Do you all have any suggestions on length / Diameter of the secondary? I have 24 gauge enameled copper wire.
Capacitor - I know most people tend to recommend an MMC cap bank. I don't think I want to use that. I am leaning towards something more homegrown at the moment, but I would possibly be interested in purchasing caps to build a bank with 10 or fewer capacitors. Any suggestions for specific caps?
Also, any specifically recommended TC Design web sites would be appreciated.
Registered Member #15
Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068
ThereIsNoSky wrote ...
Hello All, I have acquired a 15KV, 30mA NST in order to build a Smallish demo coil (Spark Gap fired). I had a couple of questions:
RF Ground - If I am looking for 3 - 6 inch streamers or so, how necessary is an RF ground? I have seen several threads where people suggest a "Ground Plate". Will this really work?
Secondary - I know there are quite a few resources on the web for designing coils, but if I am aiming for 3 to 6 inch streamers (if this is even possible with my NST) Do you all have any suggestions on length / Diameter of the secondary? I have 24 gauge enameled copper wire.
Capacitor - I know most people tend to recommend an MMC cap bank. I don't think I want to use that. I am leaning towards something more homegrown at the moment, but I would possibly be interested in purchasing caps to build a bank with 10 or fewer capacitors. Any suggestions for specific caps?
Also, any specifically recommended TC Design web sites would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help, -TINS
I've always used a dedicated RF ground for spark gap coils exceeding 12kV/30mA NSTs. For anything less, i always used the 3rd prong earth ground.
For a 15kV/30mA coil, definitely go for something like a 4.5" secondary (4" PVC).
This Tesla Coil design guide should help you out with your design process.
Registered Member #2423
Joined: Tue Oct 06 2009, 02:49AM
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 10
My First Tesla Coil! Success!
Thank you all for your Input. It was greatly appreciated. I finished up my coil, and I will be demoing it before my Company's VPs tomorrow afternoon. I mean This Afternoon... In about 12 Hours...
At any Rate, I decided to go with a Bi-Polar TC. I figured that this would reduce my need for an RF Ground, and it will be much more portable. I am able to get very steady, strong sparks at 3 or so inches. I was even able to get some sparks at a 6 inch separation with a ton of corona discharge.
Secondary - 21 inches of 24 AWG on 3" Sch. 40 PVC Cap - 3 x ~3.3nf 55kV rolled foil capacitors from the hvwiki Spark Gap - Modified Richard Quick spark gap (?) Power - 15kV 30mA NST Primary - 7 Turns of 14 AWG stranded wire.
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SMALLish Demo Coil - Several Questions ( RF Ground, Secondary Diameter / Length )
