- Blog entry posted in 'Uncategorised', February 25, 2011.
Finding a transformer is always the best place to start when building a Tesla coil. The rest of the coil is based on the ratings of the transformer that you choose.
The high-voltage transformer I hope to use with this Tesla coil is the 9000 volt, 60 milliamp neon sign transformer shown below:
51289 51290
Though neon sign transformers are the most commonly used for Tesla coils, other transformers such as oil burner ignition transformers (OBITs) or microwave oven transformers (MOTs) have also been used.
Since this Tesla coil is designed for a builder with a low budget, and the transformer is often rather expensive, I had to do some real digging. My neon sign transformer came from a local neon sign shop. The owner generously gave me two old neon sign transformers--the 9kV, 60mA shown in the pictures, and a 12kV, 30mA that I may use for another project. If you do not have a generous neon sign shop owner near you, OBITs and MOTs can often be obtained from scrap yards or recycling centers. CAUTION: If you decide to try to use a MOT, it is important to know that 1) they are not current limited and must have a choke in series with the input, 2) they only produce around 1500 to 2000 volts, so you probably would need more than one, and 3) they are VERY dangerous--one touch could (and probably will) kill you instantly. You must be EXTREMELY careful with this type of transformer.
The next part of the Tesla coil to find is the tank capacitor.
emc2, February 26, 2011
Great stuff DerStrom8! I'll be looking for your next blog about the cap! I'm really interested in Tesla coils but unfortunately (or fortunately) I know my limits and it's probably too dangerous for me to build them ;)
DerStrom8, February 26, 2011
[QUOTE=emc2;bt395]Great stuff DerStrom8! I'll be looking for your next blog about the cap! I'm really interested in Tesla coils but unfortunately (or fortunately) I know my limits and it's probably too dangerous for me to build them ;)[/QUOTE] Thank you for the comment, emc2! :) To be perfectly honest, when I first started with high voltage, I did not have any prior experience. I did a lot of research on the internet and took every necessary precaution to keep me safe, and it has worked out rather well. If you really want to build a Tesla coil, I recommend you look it up online first, learn the important safety details, and then go for it! ;) I must insist, however, that you be extremely cautious, whatever you do. I wish you the best of luck! Der Strom
Hong Bin, April 01, 2011
Der Strom , I know Tesla coil, I find many dates in my language, BUT I think high voltage is not safe, you guy,be carefully, just like emc2 said, it is dangerous
DerStrom8, April 01, 2011
[QUOTE=Hong Bin;bt409]Der Strom , I know Tesla coil, I find many dates in my language, BUT I think high voltage is not safe, you guy,be carefully, just like emc2 said, it is dangerous[/QUOTE] Thank you for your concern, Hong Bin. I assure you that I take every necessary precaution to keep myself and others safe. High voltage can be dangerous, but as long as you know how to handle it safely, it can be very useful, and in this case, fun. ;) Der Strom
IanLishman, June 19, 2011
Hi, I am new to the site, can you help me with the wiring diagram, schematics for an automatic mains failure change over contactor / timer panel, 1 phase, plain home gen setup.
DerStrom8, August 03, 2011
[QUOTE=IanLishman;bt426]Hi, I am new to the site, can you help me with the wiring diagram, schematics for an automatic mains failure change over contactor / timer panel, 1 phase, plain home gen setup.[/QUOTE] Hi IanLishman. That question should be asked in the forum. Lots of people can help you there. Good luck! Der Strom
