AM
Amir Mojarradi
Mon, Sep 4, 2023 6:11 PM
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
SW
Steve White
Tue, Sep 5, 2023 8:10 PM
Hello Amir,
A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum" capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break. "Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio (length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for 95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that. I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability. My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years with no problem.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" amojarradi@me.com
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Hello Amir,
A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum" capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break. "Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio (length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for 95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that. I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability. My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years with no problem.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
To: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" <amojarradi@me.com>
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
CR
Chris Reeland
Wed, Sep 6, 2023 6:45 AM
Hi Amir,
First, we need to get your input power determined...
Your Lincoln Arc Welder if it is the AC-225 model "buzz box" at the lowest
knob setting of 40A does not put out that number when wired up as a ballast
on 240V.
That setting will be barely 5A according to a chart in a book I have. And
at the maximum knob setting of 225A will be about 25A maximum on 240V.
You will need TWO of these welders in parallel if you really are after 40A
at 240V, which is very close to the continuous output nameplate rating of
the 10kVA pole transformer.
So this would approximately be around 650mA at 14,400V if 40A at 240V if I
did my math correctly :^)
I will say I have not used this welder method myself and again mentioning
that this is a chart in a book I have on Tesla coils. These numbers can
vary some under multiple circumstances, but I think these are very close.
Hopefully others will soon chime in that have actually used this welder
model and confirm what I have offered from the source I have.
Chris Reeland
Ladd Illinois USA
Sent from my Lenovo YT-X705F
On Tue, Sep 5, 2023, 5:57 PM Steve White steve.white1@mchsi.com wrote:
Hello Amir,
A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
"Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will
not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
(length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that.
I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability.
My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
with no problem.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" amojarradi@me.com
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Hi Amir,
First, we need to get your input power determined...
Your Lincoln Arc Welder if it is the AC-225 model "buzz box" at the lowest
knob setting of 40A does not put out that number when wired up as a ballast
on 240V.
That setting will be barely 5A according to a chart in a book I have. And
at the maximum knob setting of 225A will be about 25A maximum on 240V.
You will need TWO of these welders in parallel if you really are after 40A
at 240V, which is very close to the continuous output nameplate rating of
the 10kVA pole transformer.
So this would approximately be around 650mA at 14,400V if 40A at 240V if I
did my math correctly :^)
I will say I have not used this welder method myself and again mentioning
that this is a chart in a book I have on Tesla coils. These numbers can
vary some under multiple circumstances, but I think these are very close.
Hopefully others will soon chime in that have actually used this welder
model and confirm what I have offered from the source I have.
Chris Reeland
Ladd Illinois USA
Sent from my Lenovo YT-X705F
On Tue, Sep 5, 2023, 5:57 PM Steve White <steve.white1@mchsi.com> wrote:
> Hello Amir,
>
> A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
> capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
> "Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
> capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will
> not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
> diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
> (length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
> different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
> the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
> would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
> 95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that.
> I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability.
> My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
> with no problem.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> To: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" <amojarradi@me.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
> Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
>
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
> on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
> the supplies I have:
>
> - 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
> - a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
> transformer)
> - (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
> - (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
> - Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
> - Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
>
> If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
> lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
> to use?
>
> Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
> minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
> small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
> tubing be too thin)?
>
> Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Will report back with photos as I progress!
>
> Thanks!
> Amir
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
>
J
jan@eneby.nu
Wed, Sep 6, 2023 11:01 AM
Hi Amir,
I had a larger spark gap coil, but the principles are the same. On my website there is some informtion about my coil desigm.
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/coil-components.html
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/measurements.html
A 4" coil form is about right for a 5 kW coil but too small for a 10 kW design. You would need 150-200 mm and about 9 mm copper tubing for the primary. .
About 100 nF would be in the ball park for the primary cap. Mind you that the charging circuit is a resonant circuit, if designed right it will charge the cap to nearly double the transformer peak voltage. If not right designed according to the suggestions of Mr Burnett, you will loose much of the available energy and also get a lousy power factor to the power grid.
Use a tesla coil design software like Java TC, and do a simulation in LT Spice for the charging circuit. You can use mine from the website but change the component values.
If you design for a low bps you will need a synchronous spark gap, but for bps of 300 or higher an asynchronous gap will do just as well and be easier to construct.
Good luck,
Jan
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com _______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Hi Amir,
I had a larger spark gap coil, but the principles are the same. On my website there is some informtion about my coil desigm.
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/coil-components.html
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/measurements.html
A 4" coil form is about right for a 5 kW coil but too small for a 10 kW design. You would need 150-200 mm and about 9 mm copper tubing for the primary. .
About 100 nF would be in the ball park for the primary cap. Mind you that the charging circuit is a resonant circuit, if designed right it will charge the cap to nearly double the transformer peak voltage. If not right designed according to the suggestions of Mr Burnett, you will loose much of the available energy and also get a lousy power factor to the power grid.
Use a tesla coil design software like Java TC, and do a simulation in LT Spice for the charging circuit. You can use mine from the website but change the component values.
If you design for a low bps you will need a synchronous spark gap, but for bps of 300 or higher an asynchronous gap will do just as well and be easier to construct.
Good luck,
Jan
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
_______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com _______________________________________________
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
BK
Bunny Killer
Wed, Sep 6, 2023 5:08 PM
Hey All,
just wanted to clear up a small point on the height to width ratio ( I was
confused at first), a L/W of 1 to 5 is average, seems to be what most use.
The 3 to 5 sounded like a 3 foot tall by 5 foot wide secondary
And Amir, how much experience do you have with coiling? Pole pigs develop
incredible amounts of power and the slightest error will cause damage in
ways one doesnt want to experience. The reason Im asking is
by the time one begins to build pole pig coils they have enough experience
to do the math to know how big or small to design it to. Just asking,
consider me concerned....
SD
On Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 5:57 PM Steve White steve.white1@mchsi.com wrote:
Hello Amir,
A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
"Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will
not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
(length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that.
I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability.
My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
with no problem.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" amojarradi@me.com
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Hey All,
just wanted to clear up a small point on the height to width ratio ( I was
confused at first), a L/W of 1 to 5 is average, seems to be what most use.
The 3 to 5 sounded like a 3 foot tall by 5 foot wide secondary
And Amir, how much experience do you have with coiling? Pole pigs develop
incredible amounts of power and the slightest error will cause damage in
ways one doesnt want to experience. The reason Im asking is
by the time one begins to build pole pig coils they have enough experience
to do the math to know how big or small to design it to. Just asking,
consider me concerned....
SD
On Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 5:57 PM Steve White <steve.white1@mchsi.com> wrote:
> Hello Amir,
>
> A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
> capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
> "Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
> capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just will
> not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
> diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
> (length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
> different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
> the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
> would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
> 95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve that.
> I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for reliability.
> My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
> with no problem.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> To: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" <amojarradi@me.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
> Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
>
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
> on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
> the supplies I have:
>
> - 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
> - a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
> transformer)
> - (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
> - (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
> - Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
> - Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
>
> If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
> lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
> to use?
>
> Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
> minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
> small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
> tubing be too thin)?
>
> Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Will report back with photos as I progress!
>
> Thanks!
> Amir
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
>
JT
Joshua Thomas
Wed, Sep 6, 2023 8:35 PM
Pole pigs scare me and I've built a coil with NSTs and a 4" OD, 24" tall
secondary. Would definitely want to find someone experienced, locally, to
advise.....
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 4:08 PM Bunny Killer 1stbunnykiller@gmail.com
wrote:
Hey All,
just wanted to clear up a small point on the height to width ratio ( I was
confused at first), a L/W of 1 to 5 is average, seems to be what most use.
The 3 to 5 sounded like a 3 foot tall by 5 foot wide secondary
And Amir, how much experience do you have with coiling? Pole pigs develop
incredible amounts of power and the slightest error will cause damage in
ways one doesnt want to experience. The reason Im asking is
by the time one begins to build pole pig coils they have enough experience
to do the math to know how big or small to design it to. Just asking,
consider me concerned....
SD
On Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 5:57 PM Steve White steve.white1@mchsi.com wrote:
Hello Amir,
A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
"Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just
not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
(length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve
I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for
My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
with no problem.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To: "Tesla Coil List" tcml@tcml.pupman.com
Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" amojarradi@me.com
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance
to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be
small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4”
--
Joshua Thomas
My new email address is: joshuafthomas@gmail.com
Please update your information if you have not already done so.
Pole pigs scare me and I've built a coil with NSTs and a 4" OD, 24" tall
secondary. Would definitely want to find someone experienced, locally, to
advise.....
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 4:08 PM Bunny Killer <1stbunnykiller@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Hey All,
>
> just wanted to clear up a small point on the height to width ratio ( I was
> confused at first), a L/W of 1 to 5 is average, seems to be what most use.
> The 3 to 5 sounded like a 3 foot tall by 5 foot wide secondary
>
> And Amir, how much experience do you have with coiling? Pole pigs develop
> incredible amounts of power and the slightest error will cause damage in
> ways one doesnt want to experience. The reason Im asking is
> by the time one begins to build pole pig coils they have enough experience
> to do the math to know how big or small to design it to. Just asking,
> consider me concerned....
>
> SD
>
> On Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 5:57 PM Steve White <steve.white1@mchsi.com> wrote:
>
> > Hello Amir,
> >
> > A 40 amp current draw will be a significant coil. The "optimum"
> > capacitance is one that is fully charged at the end of each RSG break.
> > "Optimum" in this sense means that you will be fully charging the
> > capacitor. Of coarse it will work fine if not fully charged, you just
> will
> > not be achieving maximum streamer length. There is no optimum secondary
> > diameter as far as I know. What you do want is an aspect ratio
> > (length/diameter) of 3 to 5 for the secondary coil. Use JAVATC to try
> > different parameters. One of the outputs of JAVATC is capacitor charge at
> > the end of each RSG break. You can never achieve 100% charge because that
> > would theoretically take an infinite amount of time so I would shoot for
> > 95% charge. Use whatever maximum current that is available to achieve
> that.
> > I use a 3x voltage derating for my Maxwell capacitors just for
> reliability.
> > My 6.5 KVA pole transformer-powered coil has been operating for 5 years
> > with no problem.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> > To: "Tesla Coil List" <tcml@tcml.pupman.com>
> > Cc: "Amir Mojarradi" <amojarradi@me.com>
> > Sent: Monday, September 4, 2023 1:11:06 PM
> > Subject: [TCML] Pole Transformer Coil Design Guidance
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
> > on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
> > the supplies I have:
> >
> > - 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
> > - a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
> > transformer)
> > - (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
> > - (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
> > - Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
> > - Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
> >
> > If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
> > lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance
> value
> > to use?
> >
> > Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
> > minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be
> too
> > small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4”
> copper
> > tubing be too thin)?
> >
> > Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Will report back with photos as I progress!
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Amir
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> > To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> > _______________________________________________
> > Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> > To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
>
--
Joshua Thomas
My new email address is: joshuafthomas@gmail.com
Please update your information if you have not already done so.
BK
Bunny Killer
Thu, Sep 7, 2023 3:56 PM
OOPPPpppsss I did the same thing, the L/W I wanted to say was 5:1 ratio
e.g. a secondary of 5' tall at 1' dia...
hope I didnt confuse everyone. My chemo meds mess with my head and thinking
process alot. And its the reason I
had to stop enjoying coils too, realized that I could make a mistake too
easily.
SD
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 4:25 PM jan@eneby.nu wrote:
Hi Amir,
I had a larger spark gap coil, but the principles are the same. On my
website there is some informtion about my coil desigm.
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/coil-components.html
https://sthlmteslacoil.se/measurements.html
A 4" coil form is about right for a 5 kW coil but too small for a 10 kW
design. You would need 150-200 mm and about 9 mm copper tubing for the
primary. .
About 100 nF would be in the ball park for the primary cap. Mind you that
the charging circuit is a resonant circuit, if designed right it will
charge the cap to nearly double the transformer peak voltage. If not right
designed according to the suggestions of Mr Burnett, you will loose much of
the available energy and also get a lousy power factor to the power grid.
Use a tesla coil design software like Java TC, and do a simulation in LT
Spice for the charging circuit. You can use mine from the website but
change the component values.
If you design for a low bps you will need a synchronous spark gap, but for
bps of 300 or higher an asynchronous gap will do just as well and be easier
to construct.
Good luck,
Jan
Hi all,
I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
the supplies I have:
- 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
- a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
transformer)
- (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
- (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
- Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
- Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
to use?
Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
tubing be too thin)?
Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Will report back with photos as I progress!
Thanks!
Amir
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email
to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email
to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
OOPPPpppsss I did the same thing, the L/W I wanted to say was 5:1 ratio
e.g. a secondary of 5' tall at 1' dia...
hope I didnt confuse everyone. My chemo meds mess with my head and thinking
process alot. And its the reason I
had to stop enjoying coils too, realized that I could make a mistake too
easily.
SD
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 4:25 PM <jan@eneby.nu> wrote:
> Hi Amir,
> I had a larger spark gap coil, but the principles are the same. On my
> website there is some informtion about my coil desigm.
>
> https://sthlmteslacoil.se/coil-components.html
> https://sthlmteslacoil.se/measurements.html
>
> A 4" coil form is about right for a 5 kW coil but too small for a 10 kW
> design. You would need 150-200 mm and about 9 mm copper tubing for the
> primary. .
> About 100 nF would be in the ball park for the primary cap. Mind you that
> the charging circuit is a resonant circuit, if designed right it will
> charge the cap to nearly double the transformer peak voltage. If not right
> designed according to the suggestions of Mr Burnett, you will loose much of
> the available energy and also get a lousy power factor to the power grid.
>
> Use a tesla coil design software like Java TC, and do a simulation in LT
> Spice for the charging circuit. You can use mine from the website but
> change the component values.
>
> If you design for a low bps you will need a synchronous spark gap, but for
> bps of 300 or higher an asynchronous gap will do just as well and be easier
> to construct.
>
> Good luck,
> Jan
>
> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if I could ask for guidance on a Tesla coil I am working
> on - I want to make the smallest Tesla coil (primary and secondary) with
> the supplies I have:
>
> - 10kVA pole transformer (240V/14400V)
> - a Lincoln Arc Welder (as a current-limiting ballast for the pole
> transformer)
> - (2) 0.22uf 50kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in series for 0.11uf)
> - (2) 0.03uf, 35kv Maxwell capacitors (could be in parallel for 0.06uf)
> - Copper Tube Gap Spark Gap
> - Async Rotary Spark Gap w/ Black and Decker Motor
>
> If I run the pole transformer with the current-limiting welder set to the
> lowest setting (ie, 40A), what would be the optimal tank capacitance value
> to use?
>
> Also, on the lowest setting of the welder, what would be the advised
> minimum diameter for a secondary coil (ie, would a “4 inch secondary be too
> small?) and the minimum thickness of a primary coil (ie, would 1/4” copper
> tubing be too thin)?
>
> Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Will report back with photos as I progress!
>
> Thanks!
> Amir
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email
> to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com To unsubscribe send an email
> to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
> _______________________________________________
> Tesla mailing list -- tcml@tcml.pupman.com
> To unsubscribe send an email to tcml-leave@tcml.pupman.com
>
