Building a Tesla Coil - Part 2 (A)

[giurfa]

Interesting and well described. However what we need to know in order to understand how forces of nature are originated by the charge field is the law behind these. It would be great if you can experimentally reproduce the principles presented in: scribd: 45747120/Unified-Field-Explain­ed-9

[crazypimpin52287]

Ok have a few questions if your up for answering. I have a 10kv midpoint furnace transformer. Would this workk instead of a neon transformer? Seems to be kinda hard to find a n-point transformer cheap. Second i have 2 ,18kv capacitos with a capacitance value of .0004 mf. would it be better to have them in parrell or series? Last how do you figure out you spark gap for your safty gap?

[NarutoFreak9999]

im to dumb to understand what this means... but i thnk its cool!

[nnixon6]

Wow. Nicely done. You should work for NASA - oh wait...

Well maybe you can work for GM/GE - oh wait...

How about LLNL - oh, wait...

Hmmm... Maybe you should continue development on your ownas an alternative to the Chevy Volt.

Oh, wait...

[3rtrading]

You mentioned that capacitive reactance and inductive reactance can be tuned by changing the number or turns in primary winding. What about the resonance in secondary winding? Do you need to tuned the secondary winding to gets XL(sec) = XC(sec)? If yes, how to tune secondary winding? Thank you.

[ct92404]

@3rtrading

When you change the number of turns in the primary winding, you change the inductance, which in turn changes the inductive reactance. Some people also use a movable tap on the primary winding. However, you don't really have any easy way of changing the inductive reactance in the secondary circuit without having to make a new winding. You can change the capacitive reactance by using different toploads though.

[ct92404]

@3rtrading

And I have to admit, I'm still not completely sure how the voltage rises with resonance. I can kind of understand how a Tesla Coil generates high frequency, but I'm still not sure exactly how it increases the voltage.

[anfegori91]

@ct92404 The discharging of an inductor implies that it will maintain the current applied in it, thus rising voltage.

[carnotricecooker]

Will changing the size of the toroid/capacitance on the secondary affect the tesla coil's function if building a solid state tesla coil? I'm also curious how leaving the ends of the secondary windings outside affects a SSTC since I've seen a lot of people have them point straight up out of the center of the top.

[ct92404]

@carnotricecooker

Since it's a resonant circuit, I would think that changing capacitance or inductance would still affect it regardless of whether it's a spark gap coil or solid state.

And pointing the ends of the winding through the top is a bad idea because you can get corona inside the winding. I guess you might be able get away with it with solid state because usually the voltage is lower than what you get with a spark gap coil.

[daxvila]

love your videos they are really helpful but it will be better if you could fix the audio of this video keep the hard work and maybe some day tesla legacy will power up the earth.

[cyrusrom]

how to make a safety gap? and what is it? tell me please?

[cyrusrom]

what is a ignition coil n-point or mid point?

[ct92404]

@cyrusrom

an ignition coil has only one secondary winding, and it's end-point grounded to the negative terminal.

[Hansolo60]

what does 28 gauge magnet wire mean?

[asdflax]

can you run this on both ac and dc or just one of them?

[mhatthei]

That guy's a very good pedagogue! He'll make ofr a great teacher! Thanks dude!

BTW can this Tesla bitch sign like in the ArcAttack video?

[aprilialover125]

would a 8kv 25mA noen sign transformer work?

[AHW214]

@aprilialover125

That would work.

[rishabrijal07]

2 capacitors of 6 KV each when connected can never give equivalent of 12 kV... 12 kV is only possible when the capacitors are connected in parallel

[ct92404]

@rishabrijal07

Actually, you have it backwards. Connecting capacitors in series doubles the voltage rating, and connecting them in parallel doubles the capacitance value.

[xxflinkxx]

Are you sure you know what you are doing? The spark gap does not determine frequency, only when in the sign wave(at what amplitude) it is triggered. The frequency is set to the 60 Hz coming out of the outlet. Also, you do not want to use as small of a capacitor as possible, the opposite is true. More capacitance=more power. You need to start with one component then calculate the rest. Also he doesn't have an important part of tuning a coil, a multi tap primary.

[ct92404]

@xxflinkxx

As a matter of fact, yes, I do know what I'm doing. I've been experimenting with high voltage for over 10 years. (And I built my first Tesla Coil in 1999). You seem to be mixing up a lot of concepts and oversimplifying things. First of all, more capacitance does NOT mean more power. The capacitance you need (in the primary circuit and terminal capacitance in the secondary) depends on the resonant frequency.

[PyroAbsestion22]

how many feet of wire did you use?

[mhatthei]

@PyroAbsestion22

Well, 2 inches diameter (1 inch radius), and 750 turns...

750turns*2*pi*1inch=4712.4 ~ 4715 inches

Yes, that's a lot! Just about 120 meters...

[cody2o0]

Hay since i don't know how to tell the capacitance value of my beer bottle caps can i just over do it to be safe? Like just has 10 big bottle caps? Thanks 4 the great Vids

[TehPheonixmaster]

How much voltage will the seawater capacator hold?

[UrNotEvenSmart]

Could a 10,000V 23mA Allanson Ignition Transformer work?

[RavenPrecept]

What about the diode? Capacitors need DC to build up a voltage.

[pypes84]

@RavenPrecept

The cap has a small capacitance with regards to the output current of the supply transformer, the idea is that it should fully charge on each half cycle of the 50/60Hz Ac supply.

[manbearpig001]

is it a problem if the transformer is 15000 v with 30ma? or should it have to be 20ma?

[panzuman]

can i use beer bottle caps?

[0ail]

also how much voltage will a saltwater capacitor hold

[0ail]

Hi, plz i really need your help. i could not find a capacitor with 12 kv and 0.005 mfd. though i did get 6 3kv capacitors with 0.001 mfd. will that work in series.

if not how many saltwater capacitors would i need for your example of tesla coil,

many thanks

[LithiumChicken]

@0ail as many as you like, although i'd say around 10-12, cos otherwise they explode. awesome for explosions, not so awesome for your coil

[panzuman]

can i use microwave oven caps? i got a bunch

[freitasnetuno]

Well, what about winding the coil? How did you made it? Hand-winding is such a pain in the ass...

[ct92404]

yup, it is! I wound it by hand, and it's a MAJOR pain in the ass. That's the one thing I hate about building a Tesla Coil...winding the secondary. It takes HOURS. What I do is just tape it so I can take breaks.

[freitasnetuno]

i thought about superglue or something, it will cause some kind of interference?

[HankHulator]

You can do it very fast! - You just need: an electric drill, a guide (a kinda chicken broach can perform well), and a knitting rotating counter.

Attache the counter to the free extremity of the guide and block its knob in a small vise or clamp, tie guise and coil's kernel (ie: w/ duct tape), engage the drill and you're ready :)

[kahvac]

CT: Excellent videos I think I have watched them all. I am a Master Electrician and still have learned things from your video that I could not watching many other Tesla Coil videos. One thing that I now understand is that the Primary and Secondary coils have nothing to do with turns ratio as almost every other transformer does It acts on Resonance which is very understandable but can throw off the average guy. Thanks again for the great videos hope you make more they're quite good.

[CEL1337]

Another option for capacitors is to make an MMC capacitor. Builders have been finding these work very well and are cheaper to build than buying a high voltage capacitor.

[AtheistChase]

What is it's purpose apart from looking really fucking cool?

[panerudepon]

They're good for high voltage experiments.

They can also be used to create sound, and if you use one in a room with flourescent light bulbs, it can make them glow (if they're off).

[AtheistChase]

Neat.

[freitasnetuno]

it is the first stage of wireless electric power transmission.

[sciencekid17]

how about a neon signe transformer ?

[ct92404]

Actually, yeah a neon sign transformer is the best to use. I don't remember if I talked about it in this video or in Part 2B. I made these videos a long time ago.

Look at my channel. I have a few other videos showing my 15kv neon transformers.

[ct92404]

Part 2B is there, just look in all my videos. I made it a long time ago, so you'll probably have to go to the 2nd or 3rd page. Also, I used a song for background music, and stupid YouTube blocked the video from certain countries because of copyright restrictions.

[hhotechnology]

hello, part 1 is not available for viewing in the uk.....???

[BxRxExAxNxNxA]

i am looking for part 2(b)

[ct92404]

YouTube did that, because I used a song as background music, and so they blocked it from some countries because of copyright restrictions. It's stupid. I'll have to upload another video without the background music, I guess. What a PITA

[hhotechnology]

if you couldf re launch it that would be great! thanks

[godsend171]

dude, was your coil messin with your mic or what.

[budsiskos]

where could i buy 14 guage wire?

[ct92404]

You can buy it at any hardware store or electrical supply shop. I just buy spools of wire from Home Depot. You can get it in spools, or you can get a certain length of it cut from a bulk spool. You'll probably need at least 30 feet.

[Depthhider]

So when you say low capacitance is a 35kv capacitor with .003uf two low of a capacitance.

[ct92404]

no, actually that sounds perfect. With a Tesla Coil, you ideally need capacitors with a very high voltage rating but a low capacitance value. Of course, it will depend on your coil. You'll probably have to tune it anyway, by adding or removing turns from the primary winding. But what you have sounds like a good place to start.

[budsiskos]

hey, i bought the same capacitor and am currently building a coil with it. ill let you know how it works out

[Depthhider]

The one form electronics goldmine? Please do. it looked kind of small compared to all the other TC caps, so i would like to know how it works.

[budsiskos]

i just heard from someone else that it exploded when put into a tesla coil. this makes me think that there was a typo somewhere and its actually rated for 3.5kv not 35kv.

[integralfrom0to1]

I know what capacitors you are talking about, and they are rated for 35kV, but they are polarized, idiots. Of course they are going to explode when you put high AC voltages on them. Learn some basics, for fuck's sake.

[cenzo188]

I am wondering, is there a safe way to measure the frequency of the tesla coil on my oscilloscope without blowing it up? I think just a couple of fat resistors to bring the voltage down safely would work, but oscilloscopes are expensive, and I want to make sure that it would work before trying anything.

[Kburt101]

I have a friend who needed to measure the voltage on his capacitors so he is building a voltage divider, it uses resistors but it seems like a good thing for you to look into.

[doinblow]

I might sound like a dumbass here cause I've never built a Tesla coil, but couldn't you power something with the coil and then measure the frequency on it? It should be the same right?

[Andis345]

hey thanks for the tesla coil vids. i have 2 NST's. one is a 5kV at 30mA. and the other one is a 4kV at 30mA as well. how would you connect them to get 9kV. in Series???? In Parallel??? thanks

[deanoriordan07]

your videos are very help full.iv just got a

Oil burners Transformers

TRS1020 10000V 2x5kV 20mA 242VA ED. 25% su 4 what way would you connect this up to a Tesla coil.

[gt4awd]

ct92404, please don't get offended by our disagreements here. You have done a great job with your videos, and I'm sure it has helped a lot of beginning coilers. I just felt the need to point out several potential problems with your overall circuit design.

[ct92404]

There's nothing wrong with a disagreement.  However, the issue about whether to put the spark gap in series or parallel is still debated, and I have seen many designs with either way. In fact, most of the designs I've seen have the spark gap in series. It's the same as whether to have a helical or flat spiral primary winding. There's a lot of design variations. There are advantages and disadvantages for either way.

[TeslaWasHere]

I will have to concur with gt4awd up to an extent. In spark gap coils, it's typical to use a pancake style primary for the sole reason of possibility over coupling, as well as differentiation in voltage potential between windings on the secondary in ratio the the coupling of the primary, but mostly because of the type of waveform and coupling. The other explanation was just a fancy way of saying "Due to obvious insulation issues."

You would understand if you've made any solid state coils.

[TeslaWasHere]

Now, as for the schematic analysis, it pretty much boils down to, if you do not have a high side low band bypass filter, you should put the cap in series with the primary instead of parallel. The capacitor can discharge energy though the xfmr due to resonant rise voltage across the cap that even the filter will not dampen out. Do NOT 100% rely on safety gaps, I've killed a NST this way back when I was new due to putting the cap in parallel. I switched it and put in another, it still lives now.

[gt4awd]

Not to be rude but I would like to point out a major error in your Tesla Coil schematics... To start you seem to be using a single pole transformer, and this is going to confuse people with a standard two pole NST. Other than that, you're using the houses main line ground. This is a bad idea as it will introduce high voltage RF electricity into the main line. Potentially destroying very expensive electronics using the same mains. Also spark gap should be in parallel, and capacitor in series...

[ct92404]

Okay, but I should point out that I've been working with high voltage for over 10 years. The single pole transformer is an end-point grounded transformer, which is very commonly used to power Tesla Coils. In this case, it's a furnace ignition transformer. If you watch both parts of this video, I clearly explain that the diagram is for an end-point grounded transformer. I have used both mid-point grounded transformers and end-point grounded transformers...

[ct92404]

...Secondly, the spark gap can be connected in series OR in parallel. I have seen and used both methods. It's easier to tune a resonant circuit with the capacitance connected in parallel with the inductor. Obviously, this isn't an "error" in my schmatics since I have built several successful coils this way. As far as using the house neutral or ground line for the RF ground, I have never encountered any problems with this (again, doing this for 10+ years).

[gt4awd]

Yes, the spark gap CAN be connected in series or in parallel, but spark gap in parallel protects the transformer from the high frequency generated by the tank circuit. I also still disagree with using the houses neutral. For obvious reason that it isn't designed for what you're using it for. You do realize even the neutral has a low voltage rating, right? If it's working fine for you that's great, but it isn't recommended simply put...

[ct92404]

The safety gap protects the transformer from excessive voltage spikes caused by high frequency kickback.

[gt4awd]

Which is completely different from what I was talking about. The spark gap in parallel acts as a short circuit. After the capacitor discharges no RF can flow back through the transformer. Basically in parallel the transformer never conducts the high frequency generated by the capacitor spark gap combination. That is why parallel spark gap is recommended. Doesn't really matter on PIG, and potential transformers as they are very heavy duty, but a weak NST, OBIT, etc, benefits from this circuit.

[ct92404]

And one last point, when I first learned to build Tesla Coils (back in about 1999) I had help from a retired radio technician who builds HUGE Tesla Coils and other high voltage devices. Yes, for a high power Tesla Coil you would need a dedicated RF ground, but for a small low-power coil like this, using the neutral or ground line is acceptable.

[Sphazo99]

Can you modulate the frequency of a spark gap tesla, like they do for the music playing solid state ones?

[prototype9000]

what are the advantages of an endpoint grounded system over a conventional system like a neon sign transformer

[L0statMidNight]

great vids man 5 stars

[Pujc]

I use 0.008 mm Cu wire and so like 150cm tube , wit that seconder are my coil work well I drive with two series secondery Microwawe moth there work well too :D:D:D

[bakosburner]

i have a 9000v transformer and 2 15kv dc capaciter i know dc but they guy at the store said it would work and when i plug it in i get on spark at the spark and nothing else i tryed to ajdust the spark and and got the same results can anyone help

[68CHUCKLES]

AWESOME - Thanks again for all the detailed info!!!

[carr60ick]

Excellent vid, very clear instructions, Congrats

[Trooper45]

i have one of those plasma ball things where you touch the glass and the lightning chases your finger... if i take the glass bulb off that technically a tesla coil right? what happens if i touch it?

[ct92404]

yeah, plasma globes use a flyback transformer, which works similar to a Tesla Coil, but not quite the same. It's a high voltage \ high frequency transformer, but it's not really a tuned resonant circuit the same as a Tesla Coil. Also, usually they only supply about 20,000 volts at most, but a Tesla Coil can generate over 100,000 volts.

If you touch the HV wire on a plasma globe it might not shock you because of the high frequency, but the arc can burn your fingers. I wouldn't try it!

[Trooper45]

cool. since i pretty much understand through your videos how to build one, how is it possible to play music through it? most tesla coil music vids on here only say a midi cable is used, but i cant think of an appropiate way to connect what to where.

[Brandon749]

idk if you get to it but do you mention what kind of output power you get and will it have any practical use to me? im going to try a build my own but i think il have better luck selling the idea if i start with it will save me X amount on my energy bill lol il have more direct questions later for now just curius thx and cool stuff

[ct92404]

I don't know what the actual output power is. I know the output voltage is about 100,000 volts on my Tesla Coil. Tesla Coils don't generate power, they just transform it to very high voltage at high frequency.

[Brandon749]

so i couldent even power a toster. ok thanks never new that

[dhultquist]

Hey I shot you a message, but I figured I would cover all the bases and ask If you have a diagram for a mid-point grounded transformer coil. If you do, could you send me it? thanks.

[KB1KOI]

Quick question:

you mention that the distance between the electrodes (spark gap switch) determines the frequency. Can't you alter the frequency by using a variable Cap?

[ct92404]

A variable capacitor (if you could even find one or build one that could handle voltage that high) would alter the amount of capacitance. There is a certain resonant frequency that a Tesla Coil "prefers" depending on the characteristics of how you built it, like the size and inductance of the primary and secondary windings, etc.

[ct92404]

...what I mean is that you have to tune a Tesla Coil to get optimum performance, so the spark gap is adjustable only in that you adjust it until you find the right setting for the best output. Same thing with the amount of capacitance. You can't really adjust the frequency on the fly to whatever you want, because you're kind of stuck with the resonant frequency that the Tesla Coil works best at when you build it.

[danielhattie2000]

how ,many volts would a high voltage capactitor be? and would i be able to wire a few lower voltage capacitors in series

[ct92404]

This was all explained in the video. I had a whole section on capacitors starting at about 3:54. The capacitor has to be rated for at least twice the voltage of your transformer. So it depends on your transformer. I would say that you need a capacitor rated for at least 10,000 volts. And yes you can put lower voltage capacitors in series...again that was in the video too, at about 4:26. But they should still be rated for at least 1 or 2kv each.

[danielhattie2000]

i no i commented b4 i wtached it

[magne9292]

the secondary winding. does it have to be magnet wire?

[ct92404]

it doesn't have to be magnet wire. You can use plastic insulated wire if you can find one thin enough. Magnet wire is better because it's thinner and so you can wind more turns with it.  You'll have less inductance if you use plastic wire.

[eekoren]

does it matter what you use as a insulator "Core" for the second coil btw? like if you would use like you said a PVC pipe (that is hollow) or one made out of Wood (Solid)?

[ct92404]

No, don't use wood for the secondary winding. Wood is not a perfect insulator. It's okay to use for the primary winding, but the voltage is too high on the secondary winding. The best thing to use is a plastic tube like PVC or acrylic. I think any plastic tube would work as long as it doesn't have too much carbon, like ABS.

[EliteHarrison]

can i buy one of thease from you because im afraid ill do the wireing wrong and kill myself

[ct92404]

I'm just doing this for fun, as a hobby, I don't really want to get into selling them. Besides, it's a lot more fun and you'll learn more by building one yourself. It's not that dangerous as long as you're careful and just use common sense. You're not going to kill yourself just from connecting it wrong. If you connect it wrong, it just won't work or maybe at worst you'd trip a circuit breaker. Just use common sense, don't touch a live circuit and you won't get hurt!

[kencbk]

nice, good video very comprehensive. =)

[BryanTheYellowDart]

What is the difference between the flat (pancake style) primary winding and the vertical style you are using? And how would you recommend mounting the secondary coil to the wood base? Thanks.

[ct92404]

I don't remember what the specific advantages were for a flat winding. Maybe there's less chance of arcing between the secondary and primary. I use a vertical primary winding just because it's a lot easier to make. To mount the secondary, get a plastic lid that fits the tube you wound the secondary on, or you could just use a wooden doorknob and fit that on the tube! Then bolt it onto your base with plastic screws, which you can get at a hardware store.

[BryanTheYellowDart]

I found this info online today. "The primary coil can be of 3 basic shapes. A helical solenoid

form, a flat Archemidean spiral or a shallow saucer shape.

The 3 forms differ only in the amount of coupling they provide.

The solenoid provides the most coupling and the flat spiral the least.

The saucer is a comprimise and offers a degree of coupling between the

other two. One shape is not really any better than another but their

characteristics make them best suited for some types of coils.

[enfernox]

thank you btw i finished my coil its so awesome i took it to a sign shop to get my transformer and i pluged it in there and evrey one in the shop was like so amazed and couldnt belive it worked

[ct92404]

That's awesome! Congratulations! Any idea what the output voltage is? Post a video when you get a chance.

[enfernox]

sorry to sound dum but whats the primary wire made of?

[ct92404]

14 gauge insulated stranded wire. I have 5 turns on mine.

[fatboyslim27]

Hay man great vid.

I just finished building my tesla coil and i have a problem. I am trying to get visible arcs but it doesn't . it will only arc to a piece of metal. My transformer is a 12kv 30ma NST capacitors are a MMC 21kv and i have an adjustable spark gap. Primary is 5 turns and secondary is 3.5cm diameter and 35cm high and is over 1000 turns of thin copper wire. How can i adjust it so it gets visible sparks

[ct92404]

I'll have to convert your metric measurements to standard, but it sounds like you probably have too much resistance on your secondary winding. 1000 turns might be a bit too much. Also, what gauge wire did you use for the winding? I would recommend 26 or 28 gauge magnet wire...no smaller than 28 gauge. You might have too much resistance and too much inductance on your secondary winding.

[pendelum5]

Amazing video!

[ZXP14X]

whats the smallest tesla coil I can build, and how much voltage am I looking at to get visible arcs? I would like to get soemthing the size of a "AA" battery or slightly larger....is this possible?

[ct92404]

a Tesla Coil doesn't really scale down too easily. It's not just a matter of making all the parts smaller...smaller windings affect the inductance and you really have a practical limit on how small you can make the secondary winding. Also, remember with a spark-gap type coil, you need a minimum voltage to get the gap to fire correctly. You still need at least 6kv.

[ct92404]

I don't think you could make anything that small with a spark-gap coil. Maybe with solid state? I've never really done anything with solid state, I work with mostly AC.

[lkmeq]

Yeah, you're really good at this.

[ct92404]

Thanks!