Rfi filter?!? / Tesla Coils / Forums

Forums

4hv.org :: Forums :: Tesla Coils

« Previous topic | Next topic »

Rfi filter?!?

1 2 next

Move Thread

LAN_403

Spedy

Sun Feb 03 2008, 09:38PM

Registered Member #964 Joined: Wed Aug 22 2007, 12:39AM
Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 134

What, exactly, is an RFI filter? I read I need one for my SSTC for mains grounding.
Is it possible to make one? I see a bunch of cheap ones on the RadioShack websites, but are they good enough?

Thanks

Shaun

Sun Feb 03 2008, 11:10PM

Registered Member #690 Joined: Tue May 08 2007, 03:47AM
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 616

I don't have one on my SSTC, and have never had problems. However, when my SGTC was operational it had a 10A one between the NST and variac.

Here is a scan of the schematic sticker on it:

It is a Corcom 10A 120/250VAC 50-60Hz EMI filter

It looks easy enough to make one yourself, it being just an assortment of R, L, and C.

Mates

Sun Feb 03 2008, 11:16PM

Registered Member #1025 Joined: Sun Sept 23 2007, 07:53PM
Location: Czech Rep.
Posts: 566

Spedy wrote ...

What, exactly, is an RFI filter? I read I need one for my SSTC for mains grounding.
Is it possible to make one? I see a bunch of cheap ones on the RadioShack websites, but are they good enough?

Thanks

I do not know much about this, but I have always thought that RFI filters are needed mainly for spark-gap based TC's to eliminate radio frequency noise disturbing HF receivers (TV, radio...).

It would be very nice if somebody could add a detailed comment or link to this topic...

Thanks

Bauerb2

Mon Feb 04 2008, 12:40AM

Registered Member #973 Joined: Tue Aug 28 2007, 07:32PM
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 66

i've always wondered if i would need one for my sstc. while running, it interefered with a touch lamp two rooms away (which i've read, this is a common occurance), so i think it wouldn't hurt to hook one up to my sstc. some more info on this would be great, thx.

-andrew, now 18 buahahaha

Austin

Mon Feb 04 2008, 02:21AM

Registered Member #1169 Joined: Wed Dec 12 2007, 09:16AM
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 251

I too am curious... would an RFI filter help prevent currents being induced into other electronics from around the house?

Spedy

Mon Feb 04 2008, 04:28AM

Registered Member #964 Joined: Wed Aug 22 2007, 12:39AM
Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 134

I am talking about a RFI filter for grounding the secondary through the mains instead of banging a huge pipe into the ground wherever I want to run my SSTC (school, home, ect), as this seems like a waste of effort.
Wouldn't an RF choke be the kind of thing I need?

Shaun

Mon Feb 04 2008, 05:45AM

Registered Member #690 Joined: Tue May 08 2007, 03:47AM
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 616

You can just hook secondary ground directly into mains ground; my SSTC is over 1000W and I've had no problems with stereo and computer on same circuit.

If you are really concerned, unplug anything sensitive.

Austin

Mon Feb 04 2008, 07:07AM

Registered Member #1169 Joined: Wed Dec 12 2007, 09:16AM
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 251

Spedy wrote ...

I am talking about a RFI filter for grounding the secondary through the mains instead of banging a huge pipe into the ground wherever I want to run my SSTC (school, home, ect), as this seems like a waste of effort.
Wouldn't an RF choke be the kind of thing I need?

Thats exactly why I am interested in an RFI Filter. I don't want to pound stakes in my yard either.

As It was explained to me... RF is a result of improperly tuned coils (SSTC / DRSSTC anyways), If your coil is properly tuned than you should have no troubles because most of the energy goes into producing the spark on your tesla. theres my two cents. Don't quote me on this either.

Ultra7

Mon Feb 04 2008, 02:39PM

Registered Member #1157 Joined: Thu Dec 06 2007, 12:11PM
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 307

As far as banging a huge ground rod into your yard. . .
I have a trick for that.
See, I'm a Cable Guy in real life and we ground all outside plant with an 8 foot ground rod, and if I had to hammer in every one of them, Id be as big as Conan by now.

The trick is to start with just letting the hose run in the area you want to place the rod for about 5 min. After the ground is nice and wet, just start pushing the rod into the ground with your hands until you cant get it any farther. then pull it out carefully and pour a small amount of water in the hole it made. Nothing fancy, a coke can worth of water will work. then put your rod back in the hole and lean on it some more, it should go down another 2 feet. Repeat the coke can of water trick again and again and you will get the rod in the ground to about where you have less than a foot left to "Pound in". That last bit you might want to use the hammer for. Total time spent for a rod is around 10 min total, with zero sweat. Trust me, I set about 30 of these a day when we are building plant for a new build neighborhood.

Word to the wise.
Get your utilities located before setting a ground rod.
Nothing is worse than hitting your water/gas/power mains with a big copper coated iron bar.

Hope that was good info.

Austin

Mon Feb 04 2008, 06:47PM

Registered Member #1169 Joined: Wed Dec 12 2007, 09:16AM
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 251

Ultra7 wrote ...

Nothing is worse than hitting your water/gas/power mains with a big copper coated iron bar.

Made me LOL

1 2 next

Moderator(s): Chris Russell, Noelle, Alex, Tesladownunder, Dave Marshall, Dave Billington, Bjørn, Steve Conner, Wolfram, Kizmo, Mads Barnkob