1.0 KVA Mini Pig
KeeDx3, Mon Mar 13 2017, 04:34AMSo I've had this Mini Pig sitting in my closet for a while now (yep you read that right), and I'm starting to explore different projects I could use it for. I'm just scratching the surface of tesla coils (using NST's, etc) so I'm nowhere near ready to actually power it up, nor do I have a ballast yet. I'm mostly looking toward the future and when I get to that point (both in ability and workspace).
The voltage rating is 4800, so probably no monster coils, but I'm curious about just how big I could go with this thing ("how many MOT's is this comparable to"). Only paid $50 for it and I don't think it has ever been used! If nothing else, it just looks cool.
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
johnf, Mon Mar 13 2017, 05:59PM
Its equal to one MOT but it will do that continuously unlike a MOT
johnf, Mon Mar 13 2017, 05:59PM
Its equal to one MOT but it will do that continuously unlike a MOT
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
Sulaiman, Mon Mar 13 2017, 07:24PM
John Freau developed an empirical formula for spark gap Tesla Coils
Spark Length in inches = 1.7 x sqrt(power)
using this approximation, 1000W = 53" = 1.36m
I think that was for a rotary spark gap, probably synchronous but I'm not sure.
It is not an exact formula, but gives a good 'performance' target.
So with reasonable care, 1 yd./m should be achievable .....
Sulaiman, Mon Mar 13 2017, 07:24PM
John Freau developed an empirical formula for spark gap Tesla Coils
Spark Length in inches = 1.7 x sqrt(power)
using this approximation, 1000W = 53" = 1.36m
I think that was for a rotary spark gap, probably synchronous but I'm not sure.
It is not an exact formula, but gives a good 'performance' target.
So with reasonable care, 1 yd./m should be achievable .....
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
KeeDx3, Wed Mar 15 2017, 05:22AM
Thanks for all the info!
So what should I be looking at to ballast this? Is an arc welder still the way to go, or can I go smaller? I'm not quite adventurous enough to rewind my own MOT's, so something that already exists in the real world would be best.
I do have an old variac (more specifically, a Superior Electric Powerstat Transformer Dimmer) rated for 16.7 amps, 2000 watts.
I still have a lot to learn about ballasting, so I'm not sure if that would even work.
KeeDx3, Wed Mar 15 2017, 05:22AM
Thanks for all the info!
So what should I be looking at to ballast this? Is an arc welder still the way to go, or can I go smaller? I'm not quite adventurous enough to rewind my own MOT's, so something that already exists in the real world would be best.
I do have an old variac (more specifically, a Superior Electric Powerstat Transformer Dimmer) rated for 16.7 amps, 2000 watts.
I still have a lot to learn about ballasting, so I'm not sure if that would even work.
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
Sulaiman, Wed Mar 15 2017, 11:01AM
Subject to corrections by members with better memory and/or experience ;
4800 Vrms is a little low for a 1 kW sgtc, your spark gap may be prone to power-arcing.
I imagine full-wave rectification and dc-resonant-charging would be more suitable.
Sulaiman, Wed Mar 15 2017, 11:01AM
Subject to corrections by members with better memory and/or experience ;
4800 Vrms is a little low for a 1 kW sgtc, your spark gap may be prone to power-arcing.
I imagine full-wave rectification and dc-resonant-charging would be more suitable.
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
Nik, Thu Mar 16 2017, 02:41AM
Could forced air quenching take care of that? I always wondered if a point + pipe spark gap with forced air/suction would work better than the standard vacu-u-gap.
Nik, Thu Mar 16 2017, 02:41AM
Could forced air quenching take care of that? I always wondered if a point + pipe spark gap with forced air/suction would work better than the standard vacu-u-gap.
Re: 1.0 KVA Mini Pig
KeeDx3, Thu Mar 16 2017, 04:08AM
I'd like to know too! Mostly because I know absolutely nothing about full-wave rectification and dc-resonant-charging. Way over my head for the time being :/.
KeeDx3, Thu Mar 16 2017, 04:08AM
I'd like to know too! Mostly because I know absolutely nothing about full-wave rectification and dc-resonant-charging. Way over my head for the time being :/.
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