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I have a 12kv 60ma as my main transformer for my build. I have a backup transformer in case that one craps out which is 12kv 30ma. According to the tesla map software I could tune my primary coil around 8-9 turns and that would work for both units. However my cap size doubles and my inductance halfs if I switch from 30ma to 60ma. My question being, is there a way to wire the cap bank to accommodate both? Also, is there anything else that would change if I switch power levels?
Question: I thought there had to be load balancing, i.e. have to wire equal power transformers together. Semi-Statement:I don't know that I really need that much power output. Ultimately: I want to know if and how I can make it work for both transformers, or if there really isn't a way to make the rig functionally compatible for both.
For anyone who may make the comment: I don't have any more non-gfi 60ma available to me for a reasonable price.
P.S. If anyone needs more specific info let me know.
Registered Member #690
Joined: Tue May 08 2007, 03:47AM
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 616
The reason you need a bigger capacitor for a 60mA xfmr is because you have to maintain a mains-synchronized 120Hz break rate for the coil to work reliably. With a more powerful xfmr, your capacitor will charge quicker than you want and throw off mains synchronization.
So, you must increase the capacitor size. But by doing that, you throw off the tuning and must decrease the primary inductance to compensate.
If your tank capacitor is an MMC with multiple elements in parallel, you could make a multi-tapped MMC. That way, should you have to switch transformers, you can just change the capacitor tap (thus increasing or decreasing effective capacitance) and re-tune the primary.
Registered Member #477
Joined: Tue Jun 20 2006, 11:51PM
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 546
sandtimeman wrote ...
Question: I thought there had to be load balancing, i.e. have to wire equal power transformers together.
Nope. You can stick 'em both together for 90ma. The current-limiting nature of them will keep them from harming themselves. In fact, you can even parallel NSTs of wildly different voltages. Just set your gaps for the least voltage and go to town.
If your tank capacitor is an MMC with multiple elements in parallel, you could make a multi-tapped MMC. That way, should you have to switch transformers, you can just change the capacitor tap (thus increasing or decreasing effective capacitance) and re-tune the primary.
Yeah I didn't think of that. I could just have the MMC wired with removable strings in case I need to step down the power.
I should be able to leave the spark gap alone then right? If i understand it correctly, tune it for the 30ma, and then use the 60ma and I'll have a bunch of smaller streamers and then if I go to the 30ma it will operate normally.
So I just ran the numbers. If I use .15uF 2000v caps. I can wire two strings of 16 caps. Use both for the 60ma, and switch to one string if I go to the 30ma.
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Transformer Swap?
