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Registered Member #1185
Joined: Thu Dec 20 2007, 04:40PM
Location:
Posts: 17
Ok, I see a lot of semi explanatory instructions on how to set gaps but I'm looking for just a bit more.
I think(almost 100% certain) one of the reasons I blew through 2 transformers was my gap spacing was too far. So this time I will try setting everything up correctly.
How far should the gap be in terms of corona effect(You here that buzzing sound) and snapping of the arcs. I thought I was suppose to have the spark gap so it was just at the corona effect and the safety gap just outside of the corona effect. From what I have been hearing I had them too far it seems.
The first testing of the spark gap(nothing but the spark gap in the circuit) I was unfamiliar with the corona effect and I though it was jumping. After plugging it in and unplugging it a few times the gaps started to really fire.
If turning it on and off a few times by itself starts the process of firing is that just right? too far? or too close?
Should I keep reducing gaps till I find just the one where it fires on first pluggin?
And I was told for the safety gap to be set so that I hear the corona effect if it is the only thing in the circuit.
Hooking things up. I was thinking of hooking up the circuit and testing in parts.
IE: hook up my newly acquired Terry Filter and safety gap first Set my safety gap at this point then hook up my spark gap with the Terry Filter and safety still connected. and set it so that it sparks on most of the pluggins and coronas the rest. Then I was going to pluggin my caps and coil across the spark gaps.
Does this sound like a good procedure?
Gap distances.
0. No corona just backed out one(approximately .028 inches) from corona 1. Only corona no matter how many times I turn off and on circuit. 2. Corona most of the time firing occasionally 3. Corona half the time I plug it in firing the other half the time 4. Firing most of the time I plug in corona the rest 5. Firing constantly. 6. One closer than 5(firing constantly). 7 Two closer than 5(firing constantly). ...
I'm guessing without the coil and caps hooked up and before I hook up the spark gap that my safety gap should be hooked up between 0 and 1 so that I hear a light corona? Then when I hook up the spark gap into it I should have the spark gap somewhere between 3 and 5? Then I can plugin my coil and caps and enjoy a nice show.
How long should I run?
First test maybe 30 seconds then go test spark gaps for heat(after shorting caps of course)? Second test a minute then go test spark gaps for heat(after shorting caps of course)? Can I keep incrementing by 30 secs as long as my safety gaps are only firing occasionally and my spark gaps don't feel too hot?
Or can I just leave it run till my safety gap starts firing half the time? Or can I just leave it run till my safety gap starts firing quarter the time? ...
Registered Member #162
Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 10:25AM
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 3140
This is an interesting topic to me, Very roughly, for a given Spark Gap Tesla Coil setup, the length of streamers from the topload of the secondary is proportional to the length of the primary spark gap. So of course I/we push our luck! Too wide a gap HAS destroyed my NST and OBIT transformers, I can't help it.
So until your TC is fully tuned up I'd use 6 or 7. (should be fairly reliable) Later you can go for 5. (good balance of performance/reliability)
When you think you're ready to sacrifice your NST for performance - try 4 , 3, 2 , POOF! (Next topic - How to repair an NST?)
Registered Member #793
Joined: Sun May 20 2007, 06:50PM
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 35
I use a much simpler method and I have yet to lose a transformer. With only the gap and the NST connected: Set the safety gap so it only just does not fire. Set the main gap so it fires consistently.
I'm cheap so the better safe than sorry motto saves me money.
Registered Member #160
Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 02:07AM
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 938
I use exactly the same method as Josh. Opening up the primary gap gets larger streamers, but if the saftey starts firing, then you got to close the gap up a bit.
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Setting Gaps
