Who is Nikola Tesla?
What is a Tesla Coil?
Is a Tesla Coil dangerous?
Can I build a Tesla Coil?
What parts, supplies, and tools will I need to build a basic SGTC?
I would like to setup a basic coil design with the correct parameters. How can I do this?
Now that I have the components, and my coil design ready, where should I start?
I've decided to use a multi mini-capacitor setup. How should I go about combining them all?
Nikola Tesla was a very talented electrical engineer, scientist, and inventor of the 18th, and early 19th century. It can be said that he was the greatest inventor, and scientist of his time. Tesla had over a hundred patents for his various inventions, and improvements to pre-existing inventions. He was the inventor for many things including most importantly Radio, Alternating Current Polyphase Electrical Distribution System, the beginning of basic Robotics, remotely radio signal controlled machinery, the Duel Air Core Resonant Transformer, or Tesla coil, the discovery of X-rays, and the computer "AND" Logic Gate, a vital element in every digital computer.
What is a Tesla Coil?
A Tesla Coil is a high voltage air core transformer that works off the principle of electrical resonance, discovered by Nikola Tesla. A transformer converts electrical energy by means of eletromagnetic induction. Utilizing separate coiled wire of different size, and length. It converts electrical force (amperage) into electrical potential (voltage) if it is a step-up transformer. A step-down transformer does the opposite. A normal step-up electrical transformer requires thousands of turns of magnet wire to obtain a high potential. Unlike a normal transformer, a Tesla Coils output voltage is not dependant on the secondary to primary turn ratio. By using the oscillations, or pulses, of a capacitor discharge, and spark gap combination. Being powered by a regular high voltage transformer, and connected to a "primary" coil, or inductor, that is tapped at a resonant length with a "secondary" coil. A Tesla Coil can convert an electrical potential, and force of 15,000 volts 30 milliamps into more than a hundred thousand (100,000+) volts. The transformer powering the circuit would be using less electricity than an average computer.
The electrical potential is powerful enough to literally electrify the surrounding air, ground, and nearby metalic objects. A flourescent bulb can be held in mid air and will light up without any problems. Bright, and loud electrical streamers will emit from the "topload", a smooth surface to prevent breakout, and add capacitity to the secondary coil. The size of the electrical "streamers" vary depending on many factors. The streamers can be smaller than a millimeter, or tens of feet long . The output of a coil will often mimic the look of real lightning, but instead of it being gone in an instant the coil can create a constant arc, or air streamer ouput.
Is a Tesla Coil dangerous?
While in operation a Tesla Coil will output wireless RF electricity. This can cause damage to sensitive electronics including, but not limited to, computers, cell phones, radios, garage door openers, televisions, monitors, etc... Basically anything with microprocessors, or circuitry. Using a good RFI filter, and a dedicated ground separate from the houses ground should prevent any damage to electronics. Tesla Coil streamers can cause flammable material and liquids to combust. Take the time to remove any flammable materials, or liquids from the coils operational area. Depending on the size, and tuning of the coil, it is possible for the streamer output to kill, or burn you. Avoid any contact with the coils electrical streamers. Never leave the coil to run unattended, never allow any pets, or children to wander around in the room while the coil is in operation. Install a safety switch, or multiple safety switches to assist in your own safety, and the safety of others. Add to an essential part of the setup a safety lock. Keep the key with yourself at all times so you know no one can accidently, or purposely use your coil.
Can I build a Tesla Coil?
To build a Tesla Coil you will need a basic understanding of electricity, and electrical wiring. You will also need to learn the safety steps that should be followed while working with high voltage, the Tesla Coil circuit, and high amperage electricity, the Houses Main line. You should spend a few weeks, or months finding any information related to safety, coil constuction, and operation. The power levels of electricity you will be working with can be deadly if an accident were to occur. While you learn, find a neon sign transformer, and build a Jacobs Ladder. This will help you get used to safely using the transformer, and give you something to build a power supply for with switch, lock, etc...
What parts, supplies, and tools will I need to build a basic SGTC?
A Tesla Coil requires a decent amount of supplies to constuct. However, some of the basic things you will need include;
Note: Supplies starting with an asterisk (*) are not easily found at any local stores. Check ebay, or search the web for them. Most of the supplies not marked with an asterisk can be found at local hardware stores.
* Some Magnet Wire (30 - 22GA). Get a spool with at least 1,000 to 2,000 feet of wire.
* A High Voltage Transformer. Neon Sign Transformer is a good start at around 9kv (9,000 volts) 30ma (milliamps).
* Some High Voltage pulse/RF rated capacitors. The Cornell .15mfd 2000v capacitors work very well for this job.
* If possible obtain some high voltage bleeder resistors for the primary tank circuit capacitors. They will prevent the caps from storing a charge after use.
* A radio frequency interference (RFI) filter. Make sure it is rated high enough amperage for the transformer you selected.
A grounding rod. Solid copper works best, and try to get one at least 2' long 1/4" thick.
Some thick, well insulated copper wire for the various wiring you will need to do throughout the coils circuit.
Large diameter (2-6") PVC tubing for the secondary coil. Thin wall PVC will work best. Some small diameter PVC for making a primary support.
Get a couple medium sized, brand new, POLY cutting boards to use as the component boards for capacitors, spark gap, etc...
An electrical fire extenguisher. This is very important to have around incase something such as the transformer was to catch fire.
Various sized nuts, screws, and bolts. Trust me, get a good amount. It's a lot better than having to wait, and make another trip to the store.
Some copper pipe couplings for the Spark Gap. Use 1/4" to 1/2" diameter couplings. Larger spark surface is better.
Buy some fast dry plastic, and all purpose epoxy. It comes in handy.
A good extention cord to chop up for some wire never hurts either.
You will need various sized wood, or other material you decide to build the coils base unit out of.
Get some clear polyurethane varnish for the secondary coil. This will be used to hold the windings in place.
Some conductor will be needed for the primary coil. 1/4" to 1/2" copper tubing at 50' works well for this.
Electrical spade and ring connections will be needed to make secure connections throughout the circuit.
You can probably see the extent of the amount of items you will need. A good storage container will help with the clutter.
Among the suppies you will need to build the coil you are also going to need the tools to do so. A few tools needed include;
A table saw, or miter saw. A miter saw makes things easier.
An electrical drill. This is a must have, but who doesn't have a drill?
A Dremel or similiar grinding/cutting tool. Really helps a lot.
A screw driver. The ones with exchangable heads help.
Some sharp utility scissors. Cheap scissors won't cut it here.
Pliers and/or needle nose pliers.
Wire stripper/crimper. Don't use mine much to be honest.
A Hammer. Works great to tightly crimp a wire connection.
There are a few other tools that can make certain things a lot simplier, and well designed, but they are expensive.
I would like to setup a basic coil design with the correct parameters. How can I do this?
There are several programs available on the internet for download. I personally use TeslaMap to calcuate a lot of the parameters. Another is JavaTC, which is a browser based calculation script. Take the time to draw up your coils schematic in a paint program. If you are good at high level math, unlike me, you can find the equations to do your own calculations instead of using a program.
Now that I have the components, and my coil design ready, where should I start?
You can start on any area of the project you want, but it would probably be a good idea to start with the coils platform first. Make sure it is sturdy, and wide enough to hold the primary coil. The first platform I built was made out of spare wood. I didn't like it though, and purchased some good wood at Home Depot to make another. Added lockable wheels for easier portability.
I've decided to use a multi mini-capacitor setup. How should I go about combining them all?
For the multi mini-capator setup of my coil I decided to use a Poly cutting board. Think of how you want the layout to look, before you start adding capacitors to it. You are going to need a solder iron to connect the capacitor leads securely together, and a drill for cutting lead holes. For safety reasons a bleeder resistor should be added on each capacitor to discharge it after use. Without them the capacitors would hold energy for a period of time. If you have space left on the board it's a good area to setup your spark gap.
This information was wrote by me. Do not COPY to be used for anything but personal use without my permission to do so.
