Condenser & spark gap with 15,000vac transformer
Main condenser
Top picture is of main condenser, spark gap and neon transformer. This test of the main condenser was its’ first “smoke test” to see if my design would function as planed. Condenser is made up of aluminum foil lined PET plastic jars set up similar to Leyden Jars fixed end to end and paralleled to create a bank, .0196mfd – 40,000vac condenser to power the primary coils through the spark gap. The power at this time is supplied by a 15,000 vac 300ma center tapped neon illumination transformer. ( built in 1940s)
Spark gap
Spark gap
This second picture is of the spark gap and transformer. To the left is an electrode from a Leyden jar as well as a 4 inch pocket wrench. The spark gap is constructed from two engine spark plugs that have had the grounding electrode removed so that the central electrodes face one other. These are threaded into an extruded aluminum form to provide a base as well as a heat sink. The spark gap can be adjusted from as small as 3/8 inch to as large as 1 inch.
Spark gap without condenser
Spark gap powered
This is being directly powered by the neon transformer with no load. The arch is small thready and produces a lot of heat and not much light. It is also quiet, just a light hiss.
You may have to look closely, click on the image or do an enlarge to see the arch.
This is the first time in 16 years that I have powered up this transformer, good to see that it still works.
Spark gap with condenser
Spark with condenser
I hooked up the condenser in parallel and turned the thing on, real smoke test. WOW! very hard arch, very bright and white, lots of UV and very loud hiss, not much heat! I am pleased with this spark gap design and the output of my home made condenser.
The Tesla Coil Builders need to see this as the spark gap is the most difficult part of a tesla coil device.
I’m very pleased with the outcome of this test, I guess I will continue the project
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