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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

building a Tesla Coil and how it works?

Abray

Abray

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I think I have enough money to buy the stuff for a tesla coil. With that said, a while ago I took time to try and read up on how a tesla coil works, and how you go about creating one. Now since the only real electronics education I've gotten (until next year when I'm taking physics) is from these forums, none of anything I read made sense. If I know what kind of electronics I'm dealing with, it makes it ALOT easier for me to build one. I don't want to have to buy all the parts at some overpriced store just because I need to stick to a set design. I work better if I can change the design a little for what I'm willing to buy. However I also know not to cut corners with safety features in the design.

with that rant over, has anybody here built a tesla coil that could give me any tips and does anybody know of an easy to understand description of how to build a tesla coil and what all the parts do?

I'd really like to truly understand how these things work before I try to build it. I think you guys would agree.
 





Abray

Abray

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yes, spark gap tesla coils is the type I would make.

watching the videos now
 
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Abray

Abray

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haha just looked at google. what a coincidence I'm asking about tesla coils today!

starting the second video right now, had to take a break after the first one to do some laundry (LOL). The first video actually really helped, though!

Also, is it difficult to correctly wind the secondary coil? should I just buy a pre-made one like that one you're bidding on? (obviously i won't bid on the same one)
 
Abray

Abray

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Well I'd rather wind one myself instead of having to buy one so if you want it you can have it haha.

But those videos really helped. I think i'll be able to understand most things I read about testa coils that i'll need to know!
 
pseudolobster

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Tesla coils are pretty simple... They use the principles of electromagnetic induction to create a high voltage.. They're basically just a large transformer. Electricity goes through a small coil of heavy gauge wire with few turns which generates a larger voltage in a secondary coil of thin wire with more turns.

Basically you charge up a bank of capacitors, which are fired by a spark gap, they dump into a couple turns of thick wire, which creates a magnetic field and induces a high voltage in the secondary coil. Pretty simple, the only difficult parts are finding the right capacitors and meticulously winding that secondary coil.
 
Abray

Abray

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along with finding the correct capacitors, I've seen many places that the quality of the spark gap metal matters. I've heard tungsten is the best to be used?

and are there any other gaps or parts that have a particular kind that is the "best" to use that I should know about?
 
Hemlock_Mike

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Get a TIG welding electrode and use it for your SG. They are about 4" long --- Plenty.

Mike
 
Hemlock_Mike

Hemlock_Mike

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Get a TIG welding electrode and use it for your SG. They are about 4" long --- Plenty.

Mike
 
borgqueenx

borgqueenx

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i want a tesla coil in our garden with a motion sensor, if we leave on holidays :)
 
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