Rotary Spark Gap Tesla Coil

This is a more up to date video of the Tesla Coil that I built for VIU.
It does not require any breakout points on the sphere anymore.
This coil runs on a 120V 15A circuit. I'm using two neon sign transformers in parallel that are rated at 15Kv \ 60ma (450va each). The spark gap runs at 120bps. The copper pipe used for the primary is 3/8" diameter and 50' long. The secondary is 26" high by 6.1" wide wound with 22awg. magnet wire. covered in 4 cotes of varnish. The space in between the secondary and the sphere is covered with aluminum tape for corona suppression. The sphere on top is 10" diameter. The voltage should be around 500kv. That's my hypothesis anyway.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Tesla
• coil
• high
• voltage
• lightning
• arcs
• radio
• uv
• rays
• power
• electricity
• VIU
• 500kv
• 500
• kv
• resonant
• transformer
• pfc
• rotary
• spark
• gap

[SeanTuckerBrett]

Thanks for the help! Do you think i will be able to get about 6-7 foot sparks with the two 12Kv 30ma transformers in parrallel and a 8 inch wide by 45 inch in lenght secondary if i tune it correctly?

[HVHighjinks]

@SeanTuckerBrett

No problem! :) I'm thinking you will get about 3 to 4 foot sparks from it. That's scary enough though. :P

You could always throw more power at it. That would need better equipment though. The space and line power needed to safely run a coil that can do 7 foot streamers is prohibitive. It can be done, you will need some hardy equipment though. Remember to be safe, and don't touch the coil or the sparks when it's powered on or even plugged in. Unless you like the dry look :P

[SeanTuckerBrett]

Very nice coil! btw i have a question, i just finished my rotary spark gap yesturday and it worked for about 10 mins but then all of a sudden it just stopped. So now it will just arc everynow and then. Do you know why? need help...

[HVHighjinks]

@SeanTuckerBrett

Hmmm. what is your setup. Type of transformers, caps, ect... I Have a suspicion the problem is your transformer, if it is an NST. They are prone to breakdown from internal arcing when used to power tesla coils. Especially if the coil is out of tune, or not setup quite right. Just of the top of my head though. :P

[SeanTuckerBrett]

@HVHighjinks I have a 12,000 volt 30 ma NST. And 12 cornell dubiler 942 connected in series. Looks like its the same ones you have. My secondary is very large, its 8 inches long by 48 inches in length (4 feet).. i do have a safety gap but no terry filter. i did manage to fix the spark gap.... the electrodes were two far apart. But im only getting MAYBE a foot at the most... thanks for the help!

[HVHighjinks]

@SeanTuckerBrett

Yep. Same caps for sure ! You should add another 12 caps in series with the ones you have, or add another 12Kv 30ma NST. That will bring the caps to a full charge. Adding another NST in parallel would be the better choice. (cheaper and bigger bang)

What gauge is your secondary wire, and how is your primary coil constructed ? (material, length, flat, cone, ect...).

Just trying to find out if it is tuned right. You may need to lengthen or shorten the primary.

[HighVoltageProjects]

sweet coil would love a rotary gap for mine !!! they just cost so much .iv got some 9 inch diameter pipe for my next one just need a few more MOTS and a bigger shed

[SeanTuckerBrett]

Agian thanks, you have helped me out alot. what kind of power supply would i need for about say, 5 feet sparks? i am willing to buy some more NST"s...

[SeanTuckerBrett]

@HVHighjinks Okay cool i will get another NST! Secondary is 24 guage. My primary is cone shape, and its out of copper tubing like the usual. I have alligator clamps for my taps. The primary is 50 feet long...... it is 1/4 inch.

[SeanTuckerBrett]

@HVHighjinks Okay cool i will get another NST! Secondary is 24 guage. My primary is cone shape, and its out of copper tubing like the usual. I have alligator clamps for my taps. The primary is 50 feet long.