First big tesla coil [PIC HEAVY]

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").































cheers :beer:

Holly Crap.....

I'm glad you don't live near me...

Very Impressive....:gj:


Jerry


You can contact us at any time on our Website: J.BAUER Electronics

Haha thanks!

Did you calculate the topload? looks a bit small on that very impressive TC

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.

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.

If i'm brave enough, i'll show you some of my attempt's at a few secondary's .

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.

Seoul_lasers said:

Nice. what XMFR are you using. Where did you get it?

Click to expand...

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.

Seoul_lasers said:

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.

Click to expand...

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

Seoul_lasers said:

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

Click to expand...

I'm really glad you like it :beer:

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

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.

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

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.

It is a 6kV NST @ 80mA with the core. I have removed it. Now the output ist stable at about 170mA to 175mA.

MrMcChicken said:

It is a 6kV NST @ 80mA with the core. I have removed it. Now the output ist stable at about 170mA to 175mA.

Click to expand...

Ah, it is an NST......
You popped out the shunts! I see...

Good idea !!