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uzzors2k

Fri May 25 2007, 07:00PM

Registered Member #95 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 04:57PM
Location: Norway
Posts: 1308

You have a monitor, so really you already have almost everything needed for your first coil. I built a really small SGTC in just a few days, based on a flyback transformer. It produced 1 inch arcs with just 12V in, I never measured current draw but I doubt it was much more than 2A. The coil was hand tuned and nothing calculated ahead of time. So as long as you can get parts for a flyback driver, and an HV cap you're set. Most of which can be scavenged from the monitor itself. Assuming you can put a flyback driver together you could finish this (-enclosure) in one weekend. More details are on my site if needed.

Sorry if it needs resizing. I couldn't find the resizing guide...

gentoo_daemon

Mon May 28 2007, 11:28PM

Registered Member #512 Joined: Sat Feb 10 2007, 05:42PM
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 25

Christopher Miles Hooper wrote ...

Good day,

I made a low budget coil in the 1960â€™s with two nails for the spark gap, used a xmas wrapping paper tube for the secondary (no toploadâ€¦just a nail), used an old 30ma 15kv neon transformer, some 10 gauge wire for the primary and a Leyden jar for a tank cap. Bolted togeather without tuning and got 2 inch sparks. Built the coil in a weekendâ€¦â€¦

Rgs,
Christopher

what? no plexiglass?

Danielle

Tue May 29 2007, 03:45AM

Registered Member #632 Joined: Mon Apr 09 2007, 01:09AM
Location:
Posts: 267

I have dismantled 12 TV and computer monitors to build up my parts pile but I have also done alot of sampling and spent over $600 in specialty parts not to mention the test equipment for debugging. I did make some really good fly-back arcs and a DC SGTC, also a Jacobs ladder. You will need more time I spent 2 weeks getting my drive scurit working for my DRSSTC you wont make the deadline.

Yongsoo

Tue May 29 2007, 04:59AM

Registered Member #804 Joined: Fri May 25 2007, 04:42AM
Location:
Posts: 22

would this transformer work? i now have a week left but still plan on putting together a very quick and dirty spark gap tesla coil or a jacobs ladder. would this transformer be able to do the job? and would i need more capacitors if the transformer has more power?

Steve Ward

Tue May 29 2007, 06:00AM

Registered Member #146 Joined: Sun Feb 12 2006, 04:21AM
Location: Austin Tx
Posts: 1055

You will need more time I spent 2 weeks getting my drive scurit working for my DRSSTC you wont make the deadline.

I built my first TC in a matter of a few days back when i was 13. Bought a used NST from a sign shop for 20 bucks, used a beer bottle capacitor, a bucket as a primary form (no tuning! didnt know what tuning was back then) a bunch of spliced wires for a secondary on PVC pipe and a copper toilet float for a toploac. Recently, ive built SGTCs in a matter of *hours* just for fun when my friends and I get bored (of course, we have lots of parts on hand). Dont be such a naysayer.

Cain

Tue May 29 2007, 12:46PM

Registered Member #624 Joined: Tue Apr 03 2007, 07:50AM
Location:
Posts: 59

that transformer is spot on for what you need and you should get 10 inch with 12 kv 30mA easy...

with enough time tuning....

def use salt water caps. clear glass bottles (see my coil

)

the first secondary i had was made using 2 degauss coils from TVs i made a splice and wound it onto 90mm down pipe, it worked great...

i didn't varnish it i used clear packing tape. i even couldn't get it to blow up when i was done with it had racing arcs all over it but no shorts

and try 2 salad bowls as the top load... if you work hard you should get it done easy... the hardest part i think to bash out quick is a good spark gap

GreySoul

Tue May 29 2007, 02:32PM

Registered Member #546 Joined: Fri Feb 23 2007, 11:43PM
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 239

A single static (adjustable too!) gap can be made in about...oh.... 5 minutes? Two bolts, some nuts, and a tube that fits on your blower hose.

-Doug

Yongsoo

Tue May 29 2007, 02:40PM

Registered Member #804 Joined: Fri May 25 2007, 04:42AM
Location:
Posts: 22

i bought the 12kv 30mA transformer. the only things i need now are the capacitor (which i'll probably make unless there are ones i can buy conveniently) and the wire. Do they sell this type of wire at radio shack/home depot? or do i have to order it online? Thanks for all the help guys.

Steve Ward

Tue May 29 2007, 05:26PM

Registered Member #146 Joined: Sun Feb 12 2006, 04:21AM
Location: Austin Tx
Posts: 1055

If you need wire for the secondary super quick, go to

and search "magnet wire". You will have to scroll down the page to see the actual magnet wire. Last i checked you can get a small roll for around $20, which is plenty for 1-2 smaller coils. Otherwise, ebay has lots of magnet wire usually, but its usually a higher price for far larger quantities (better deal overall). For a coil in your power range, id suggest a 3.5" PVC form (standard 3" PVC from hardware store, make sure its white), perhaps ~15" long with ~28awg magnet wire.

Yongsoo

Tue May 29 2007, 11:54PM

Registered Member #804 Joined: Fri May 25 2007, 04:42AM
Location:
Posts: 22

I've got all the materials to make the primary and secondary now. I've been looking around and I'm thinking about using a mmc instead of a salt water capacitor. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can order this online? I've been able to increase my budget recently so price shouldn't be an issue. Oh, and do those alligator clip things work to connect everything together or do I need a different wire?

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