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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

First big tesla coil [PIC HEAVY]

Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
279
Points
28
Hi all, last week I build my first big tesla coil.
After some tuning I get some pretty cool streamer.

It is powered by a 6kV NST @175mA.
The secondary is 160mm ( about 6,3") and it is 640mm ( about 25,5") high.
I am using 0,65 mm wire on the secondary.
For the primary coil I am using 6mm thick cooper. It has got 7 convolutions.

The MMC is out of many 220nF caps. In total is it 47nF with a dielectric strength of 17,5kV.

So here is a video, also see the pics, those are lot better in my opinion.
The streamer are over 1m long ( over 33").


p8160151.jpg


p8160150.jpg


p8160149.jpg


p8160147.jpg


p8160145.jpg


p8160143.jpg


p8160141.jpg


p8160129j.jpg


p8160122.jpg


p8160121.jpg


p8160120l.jpg


p8160117u.jpg


p8160114.jpg


p8160113.jpg



cheers :beer:
 





ped

0
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
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Did you calculate the topload? looks a bit small on that very impressive TC :)
 
Joined
Sep 22, 2010
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Wow. Impressive as hell. I'd love to build a coil some time especially after watching that series the geek group did over the spring and summer. Sadly I don't think I'd have the patience to wind the secondary.
 
Joined
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Yes I have calculated the topload. I think the size ist ok for it too.
It took me three hours to make the secondary ;). I failed the first few times.
 

ped

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If i'm brave enough, i'll show you some of my attempt's at a few secondary's .
 
Joined
Jul 4, 2008
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That's a wicked junkbox TC!! This is what we call it in TCBG. I mean no offense here at all.
You made it using parts lying around! Really nice discharges due to the fact you've got a nearly flawless top load. Nice. what XMFR are you using. Where did you get it?

Word of caution. Those discharges carry more than enough current to do some damage to
Equipment within 10m of the device. also take care and beware that all metal surfaces that are not grounded will be charged even some distance from the coil.
Also, protect yourself. A strike to the hand could give you the nastiest shock you've ever had. Though the shock may not be lethal, your muscles loosing controll could cause you to punch a wall or jump into something hard. Though a TC outputs AC at high frequency, along with the AC output comes DC from the toriod which packs several 100uA to a mA or two. I have been nailed by a TC similar to your size. It gave me decent RF burn.

If my safety bantering is annoying. I apologize.
We have some pretty young members on the forum. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for your TC pics and video. You've given me some much needed spark for my stressful, dull day.
:beer:
I cant wait to get out of here and go back to Seoul.
Yawn....tired.
 
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
279
Points
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Nice. what XMFR are you using. Where did you get it?

Thanks, I think you mean the Transformer? It is a neon sign transformer.
Usually it is used to power up neon signs.
I found it on ebay. I get about 175mA @ 6kV in an shortcut out of it.

Word of caution. Those discharges carry more than enough current to do some damage to
Equipment within 10m of the device. also take care and beware that all metal surfaces that are not grounded will be charged even some distance from the coil.
Also, protect yourself. A strike to the hand could give you the nastiest shock you've ever had. Though the shock may not be lethal, your muscles loosing controll could cause you to punch a wall or jump into something hard. Though a TC outputs AC at high frequency, along with the AC output comes DC from the toriod which packs several 100uA to a mA or two.

I know this danger. Your safety bantering isn't annoying. There happen accidents every time so you can't be safe enough.


Thanks for your TC pics and video. You've given me some much needed spark for my stressful, dull day.

I'm really glad you like it :) :beer:
 
Joined
May 4, 2009
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Love your coil, I agree the top load looks a bit small for the secondary but then ?

So what gauge wire is in the secondary and how long is it ?

This coil is using a non moving (no motor involved) type spark gap correct ?


:gj: +3
 
Last edited:
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
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Thanks! :). I use 0.65mm wire for the secondary. The secondary is 640mm long. I think the wire is about 500meters long.

Yes the spark gap is out of 4 pieces of cooper pipe.
 
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Aug 21, 2012
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I used to think I could be a bit nutty till I found LPF Geeks corner and now I realise I am quite sane indeed. I love seeing what you lot get up to though
 
Joined
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At over a +100mA 6Kv you've either got a rare Cold Cathode NST or it's been highly modified. They don't make NSTs past 60mA anymore. There are some older Franceformer NSTs that did 15/100. They were discontinued about 12 years ago.
 
Joined
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It is a 6kV NST @ 80mA with the core. I have removed it. Now the output ist stable at about 170mA to 175mA.
 




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