 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Section 3: Determine your goals It is my opinion that anyone who wishes to learn how to build Tesla coils should start with a small ignition coil system. Not only is it much (but not completely!) safer, but you will also truly come to understand the workings of a Tesla coil milking the maximum performance from a small system. I learned so much from my first small coils, and my new larger coil is turning out much nicer, safer and duty rated than it would have if it was my first coil. Building a Tesla coil is a large time commitment, and there is nothing worse than spending a lot of time on something that doesn't work well or at all. So build a small system or two, run up the learning curve, wreck a few things and then build a nice coil. My first two coils were what I call "experimenters" grade. This means I built things in a modular fashion, with 'rats nest" style wiring, so I could mix and match components easily. I laid it out on a glass table so I didn't have to mount it all permanently. (Note: Wood, even plywood is no substitute for glass or plastic. Any type of wood can conduct at HV, and once it burns a carbon track in the wood, it will conduct very well) This was a great set up for me, as I could experiment easily. And I made a whole lot of typical beginners mistakes with the least cost in time and effort. Before even starting to think about the specifics of your intended Tesla coil, consider a number of factors. How much experience do you have? How much time and money do you really have? What sort of a work and operating space do you have? Are neighbors and family close enough to get irritated? What tool access and skill level do you have? Separating fact from fantasy here will save you much grief later on. Don't get me wrong, ANYONE can build a coil, it is simply a matter of starting at the right difficulty level and mastering the correct skills. Realistic goals beget success.
|
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Electronics Stuff
|
