DerStrom8
Super Moderator
Hello, everyone!
I'm working on building a medium-sized Tesla coil that uses a 9kV 60mA NST for a transformer. It is to run on 120 volts, 60hz U.S. mains. I found an equation that determines the size of the capacitor I would need for that transformer, which is:
C=10^6/(6.2832 x Z x Fl)
My question is this: I am thinking of changing the entire coil over to DC (rectify the output from the NST) because the capacitor I hope to use is rated for DC and not AC. I believe, though, that this equation is made for a sine-wave AC power source, so I am wondering how the values would change if I were to use DC. Does anyone have a formula for a DC tesla coil to match a capacitor to the transformer?
Many thanks in advance!
Der Strom
P.S. I have also found some websites that say to never use a DC capacitor for a tesla coil, as the charging process in the tank circuit requires the polarity to constantly reverse itself. Is there any validity to this claim?
I'm working on building a medium-sized Tesla coil that uses a 9kV 60mA NST for a transformer. It is to run on 120 volts, 60hz U.S. mains. I found an equation that determines the size of the capacitor I would need for that transformer, which is:
C=10^6/(6.2832 x Z x Fl)
My question is this: I am thinking of changing the entire coil over to DC (rectify the output from the NST) because the capacitor I hope to use is rated for DC and not AC. I believe, though, that this equation is made for a sine-wave AC power source, so I am wondering how the values would change if I were to use DC. Does anyone have a formula for a DC tesla coil to match a capacitor to the transformer?
Many thanks in advance!
Der Strom
P.S. I have also found some websites that say to never use a DC capacitor for a tesla coil, as the charging process in the tank circuit requires the polarity to constantly reverse itself. Is there any validity to this claim?
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