=========================================================================== 
 BBS: WELCOM BBS 
Date: 04-11-94 (15:49)             Number: 15054 
From: RICHARD QUICK                Refer#: NONE 
  To: JONATHAN LUTHJE               Recvd: NO   
Subj: Tesla Capacitors 1/4           Conf: (111) ELECTRONIC 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 JL> Gday all, 
 JL> I'm looking at constructing. . .no. . .hold that thought. 
 JL> AM constructing a Tesla coil... 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    INFORMATION FOR BUILDING CAPACITORS:                           Comments 
                                                                     | 
                                                   Puncture Voltage  | 
    Material                   Dielectric strength   per Mil         | 
                                      "K"           (0.001 inch)     | 
                                       |              |              | 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    Miscellaneous 
    ------------- 
    Vacuum                             1.0 
    Paper, bond                        3.0            200 
    Paper, Royal Grey                  3.0            200 
    Paper, telephone, treated          2.5 - 4        200 - 250      * 
    Paper, Parafin Coated              2 -3.5 
    Paper, Kraft                       2.2 
    Oil, Castor                        4.67 
    Oil, Mineral, Squibb               2.7            200 
    Oil, Mineral                       2.2 
    Oil, Transformer                   2.1 - 2.5      75             * 
    Rubber                             3.0 
    Rubber, Hard                       3.0            160 - 500      * 
    Rubber, Vulcanized                 3.2 - 3.9                     1 
    Fibre                              5.0 - 7.5      150 - 180 
    Fibre, Red                         5.0 
    Mica                               4.5 - 8.0      3800 - 5600 
    Mica, Ruby                         5.4            3800 - 5600 
    Quartz                             3.8 - 5.0      1000 
    Quartz (Fused)                     4.2            150 - 200      * 
    Shellac                            2.5 - 4.0      200 - 400 
    Spar Varnish                       4.8 - 5.5 
    Steatite, low loss                 5.8            150 - 315 
    Steatites (Magnesium silicate,etc) 5.5 - 7.5      200 - 300 
    Cambric (Varnished)                4.0                           2 
    Alsimag 196                        5.7 
    Gutta Percha                       4.0                           3 
    Amber                              3.0 - 7.0                     4 
    Resin                              2.48 - 2.57 
    Enamel                             5.1            450 
    Mycalex                            7.4            250 
    Silicone RTV                       3.6            550 
    Wood                               2.0 - 5.2 
    Wax (Parafin)                      2.1 - 2.5      250 - 450      * 
    Beeswax                            2.9 - 3.0 
    Slate                              7.0                           5 
    Barium titanate(25 C)              1200 
    Bariam titanate                    6000 
    Titanium dioxide                   125 
    Cellulose acetate                  3.3 - 3.9      250 - 600 
    Casein, Moulded                    6.4                           6 
    Polytetraflourethylene             2.0                           A 
    Aluminum oxide                     8.7 
    Tantalum pentoxide                 22 
    Glass 
    ----- 
    Glass                              4.8 - 10       300 
    Plate Glass                        6.8 - 8.4 
    Pyrex Glass                        4.8 - 10       335 
    Window Glass                       7.6 - 7.8      200 - 250 
 
    Ceramics 
    -------- 
    Cordierite ceramics                5.0 - 5.5      100 
    Magnesium titanate ceramic         12 - 18        150 
    Porcelain                          5.1 - 7.5      40 - 280 
    Titanium dioxide ceramic           70 - 90        100 
    Titanium-zirconium dioxide ceramic 40 - 60        150 
 
    Plastics 
    -------- 
    Bakelite                           4.4 - 5.8      300 
    Bakelite, Mica filled              4.7            325 - 375 
    Epoxy Circuit Board                5.2            700 
    Formica                            4.6 - 4.9      450            7 
    Nylon (lowest values of 3 types)   3.2            407 
    PVC (rigid type)                   2.95           725 
    Plexiglass                         2.8            450 - 990 
    Polyethylene                       2.2 - 2.3      450 - 1200 
    Polycarbonate (Lexan)              2.96           400 
    Polyethylene Terphthalate (Mylar)  3.0 - 3.1      7500 
    Polystyrene                        2.5 - 2.6      500 - 700 
    Teflon                             2.1            1000 - 2000 
 
    Gases 
    -------- 
    Air (dry air at 1 atm)             1.0006         30 - 70 
    Air (20 atm, 19 deg. C)            1.0108         500            * 
    Carbon dioxide ( 1 atm, 0 deg. C)  1.000985       36             * 
    Carbon dioxide (20 atm, 15 deg. C) 1.020 
    Hydrogen (1 atm,0 deg.C)           1.000264       26.1           * 
 
    Liquids 
    -------- 
    Amonia (liquid)                    22 
    Benzene                            2.28 
    Carbon tetrachloride               2.24                          8 
    Chlorinated diphenyl               6.5                           9 
    Ethyl Alcohol (O C)                28.4 
    Ethyl alchohol (20 deg.C)          25.8 
    Methyl alchohol                    33.1 
    Water (distilled)                  80 - 81 
 
    LEGEND: 
 
    * = Measured in Kilovolts per centimeter. All others are Volts per 
        mil (.001 inch) unless otherwise stated. 
    1 = Vulcanized means it has been melted, or heated in some way. 
    2 = Cambric is a finely woven white linen or cotton fabric. 
    3 = Gutta Percha is a rubbery substance made from the latex of tropical 
        trees and is used in insulation, waterproofing, and dentist use it 
        in thin sheets sometimes when working on teeth. 
    4 = Amber is a hard, translucent, yellow, orange, or brownish yellow 
        fossil resin, used in making ornamental objects like jewelry. 
    5 = Slate is a fine grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin 
        smooth faced layers. Black Boards for writting are made of this. 
        Also used as roofing material in some areas. 
    6 = Casein is a white, tasteless, oderless milk and cheese protein used 
        in the manufacture of plastics, glues, paints, and food. The word 
        'moulded' means it has been shaped by a mold. 
    7 = Formica is a trademark for any of various high-pressure laminated 
        plastic sheets of melamine and phenolic materials used for chemical 
        and heat-resistant surfaces. 
    8 = Carbon tetrachloride is a very toxic substance. It has also been 
        shown to cause cancer in lab animals. It is banned in most labs. It 
        is a liquid that was used as a strong solvent. 
    9 = Chlorinated diphenyl is a liquid dielectric that is used to 
        impregnate Kraft paper in small A.C. capacitors. This is a PCB 
        and may cause cancer, handle carefully. 
    A = Polytetraflourethylene films retain good properties even at 
        200 degrees Celsius (200 C). 
 
    atm = atmospheres (pressure of air at sea level is 1 atm). 
    deg.C = degrees Celsius. 
 
... Continues in next post 
--- Blue Wave/RA v2.12 [NR] 
 * Origin: Cindex Support BBS (314) 837-5422 Florissant, MO. (1:100/395.0) 
=========================================================================== 
 BBS: WELCOM BBS 
Date: 04-11-94 (15:55)             Number: 15055 
From: RICHARD QUICK                Refer#: NONE 
  To: JONATHAN LUTHJE               Recvd: NO   
Subj: Tesla Capacitors 2/4           Conf: (111) ELECTRONIC 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
... Continued from previous post, number 2 of 4 
 
    Warning - Some liquids and gases listed may be explosive 
              under the right conditions. Many solids can 
              catch fire and burn. Use CAUTION and GOOD COMMON SENSE. 
 
    Note: Some books gave very different values for each substance so I 
          have given you the highest and lowest values reported. The values 
          will depend on the purity of the substance your using. If you 
          know your substance is very pure then use the higher value 
          reported. If you know your substance is contaminated or of poor 
          quality then use the lower values reported. If you have unknown 
          purity then use the average of the values given. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EXPLAINATION OF EQUATIONS: 
 
    Here are some real handy equations. They are very simple and easy to 
    use. 
 
    x = Multiply by 
    / = divide by ( may also use line seperating terms above and below 
        line as in standard mathematics). 
    ( ) = Terms in parentheses should be calculated first as in standard 
           algebraic equations. 
     pi = 3.141592654. The circumferance of a circle divided by it's 
          diameter will always give you this constant. 
 
      2 
    Z   = means the term "Z" multiplied by itself one time,"Z x Z". 
 
    Note: In some cases I do not use the symbol "x" but instead simply 
          put the terms close together, example: "LC" instead of "L x C". 
          This is standard for algebraic equations and means "multiply by". 
    ======================================================================= 
    MATH FOR TESLA COILS 
 
    1. Determine your neon sign transformer (or other transformer's) 
       Impedence: 
 
                      E 
               Z  =  --- 
                      I 
 
    Z = Impedence 
    E = volts 
    I = current in Amps 
    Note: divide milliamps by 1000 to get Amps. 30 milliamps = .030 Amps. 
 
    The Impedence of the primary capacitor should match the Impedence of the 
    transformer at 60 Hz (60 Hz is the AC cycle rate of common household 
    wall sockets, at least in America). 
 
    2. To match Impedence and determine capacitor value: 
 
                           1 
             C =   ------------------- 
                   2 x pi x Z x .00006 
 
     C = capacitance in microfarads needed for primary capacitor. 
     Z = Impedence from equation one (Transformer Impedence) 
    pi = 3.141592654 
    Note: The .00006 is the 60 Hz AC, if you live outside the US then 
          substitute your cycle rate. 
 
    Next you need to find the Reactance of the primary capacitor at the 
    frequency you have choosen. Many times the frequency is decided by the 
    length of wire used on the secondary coil. See below for equations that 
    determine frequency by length of wire used on secondary. 
    When we find the Reactance , we can then find your needed Inductance 
    for the Primary coil. 
 
    3. To determine Reactance of capacitor: 
 
                        1 
            X(C) = --------------- 
                   2 x pi x C x F 
 
     X(C) = capacitor Reactance 
        C = Capacitor value in microfarads, from equation 2) 
        F = Frequency in Mhz (megahertz) 
       pi = 3.141592654 
     Note: To convert kilohertz to megahertz simply divide by 1000. 
           190 Khz = .190 Mhz 
 
     4. To determine the Inductance needed for Primary coil: 
 
        Set X(L) = X(C) 
 
                     X(L) 
              L = ------------ 
                  2 x pi x F 
 
       L = Inductance in microhenries needed for Primary Coil. 
           To get millihenries divide the answer by 1000. 
    X(L) = Reactance from equation 3, same as X(C). 
       F = frequency in Megahertz.  Divide Khz by 1000 to get Mhz. 
      pi = 3.141592654 
 
    Now you know the values for your capacitor and primary coil. These 
    values will give you the best ringing for your circuit (ie. more bang 
    for your buck)! Use the equations below to finnish the project. 
 
    Note: Many people don't go to the trouble to work these equations out. 
    They simply slap the parts together and then try to tune. If you work 
    the equations out first you will save lots of time in tuning, you will 
    at least be in the right ball park! Also, just because you worked it 
    out on paper that doesn't mean it will work the first time you plug it 
    in. Trial and error is a large part of the Tesla Coil hobby! 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    CAPACITORS IN PARALLEL: 
                                             |      | 
                                             |__C1__| 
                                             |      | 
                                             |__C2__| 
                                             |      | 
                                             |__C3__| 
                                             |      | 
    Capacitance = C1 + C2 + C3, etc... 
 
    Maximum voltage rating will be equal to the voltage rating of the 
    lowest voltage capacitor of the group. 
    ======================================================================= 
    CAPACITORS IN SERIES: 
                                             |              | 
                                             |__C1__C2__C3__| 
                                             |              | 
                                             |              | 
 
                       1     1     1 
    Capacitance = 1 / --- + --- + ---, etc... 
                      C1    C2    C3 
 
    The total capacitance of several capacitors in series will always be 
    LESS than that of the smallest capacitor. 
 
    Total voltage rating increases with number of capacitors in series. 
    Simply add the voltage ratings together. 
    When capacitors are placed in series to increase voltage rating they 
    should have the same capacitance and voltage rating else voltages will 
    divide unevenly, most likely causing failure. 
 
 
 
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=========================================================================== 
 BBS: WELCOM BBS 
Date: 04-11-94 (15:58)             Number: 15057 
From: RICHARD QUICK                Refer#: NONE 
  To: JONATHAN LUTHJE               Recvd: NO   
Subj: Tesla Capacitors 3/4           Conf: (111) ELECTRONIC 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
... Continued from previous post, number 3 of 4 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 1:  PLATE TYPE CAPACITORS 
 
    Capacitance (in microfarads) = (0.224 KA / d) (N-1) 
 
        0.224 x Dielectric Strength x Area of plate 
    C = -----------------------------------------  x (Number of plates - 1) 
          distance between plates in inches 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 2: LEYDEN JAR or SALT WATER TYPE CAPACITORS (jar/bottle type) 
 
                        2 
    C = .0884 k ( pi  r   + 2  pi  r  l ) 
         ------------------------------ 
                 1,000,000 t 
 
    C = Capacitance in microfarads 
    k = dielectric strength 
    r = jar radius in centimeters 
    l = height of the jar portion used (in centimeters) 
    t = thickness of the jar wall in centimeters 
   pi = 3.141592654 
 
      2 
    r   = r x r  (radius squared) 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 3: FREQUENCY OF A CIRCUIT 
 
                 1 
    f =  -------------------- 
                 __________ 
         2 pi   / L C 
 
    f = frequency in cycles per second 
    L = circuit inductance in henries 
    C = circuit capacitance in farads 
   pi = 3.141592654 
 
 
                  _________ 
    The symbol " /          " means the square root 
    For a result "f" in Khz: enter "C" in microfarads, "L" in microhenries 
    and multiply result by 1000. 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 4: INDUCTANCE OF A FLAT PANCAKE COIL 
 
    Picture a 1 inch flat ribbon that is about 30 feet long. Now, roll 
    that ribbon into a spiral that has all its sides about 1/2 inch apart. 
    Most common material is Aluminum Roof Flashing. Use plastic bolts to 
    hold sections of strips together if you have short pieces of ribbon. 
    This makes a good mechanical connection (you can't solder aluminum). 
 
                                  center axis 
                                  | 
                     | | | | |    |    | | | | |       <---cross section 
                                  |                        of flat spiral 
                         |---A----|    |---W---|           coil. 
                                  | 
 
           2         2 
         a     x   n 
    L = --------------- 
         8 a   +   11w 
 
 
    L = inductance in microhenries. 
    a = average radius in inches as measured from the central axis to 
        the middle of the winding. 
    n = number of turns in the winding. 
    w = width of the coil in inches. 
    Note: Make sure you measure "a" from center axis - the very middle 
          of your secondary sitting inside of your primary. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 5: NUMBER OF TURNS FOR A HELICAL PRIMARY 
                 _________________________ 
                / 
      N =     /  L  [( 9 x R) + (10 x H)] 
             /  -------------------------- 
           /            2 
        \/            R 
 
    N = Number of turns needed. 
    L = inductance in microhenries desired. 
    R = radius (inches). 
    H = height (inches). 
 
                  _________ 
    The symbol " /          " means the square root, in this case of whole 
    equation. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 5: LENGTH OF WIRE NEEDED FOR DESIRED FREQUENCY OF COIL 
 
            300,000 
    L =     -------  / 4 x (3 / .9144) 
               f 
 
 
    f = frequency, in Khz, that is desired for coil. 
    L = length of wire needed, in feet, for desired frequency. 
    / = divided by. 
 
    Note - 300,000 is the speed of light in Kilometers per second. the 
           term "3/.9144" is a conversion factor to turn meters to feet. 
           You don't have to understand this. Just thought I would tell 
           those who were wondering. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 6: FRQUENCY OF COIL 
 
                  300,000 
    f =  ------------------------------ 
         T x W x pi x (.9144 / 36) x 4 
 
 
    f = frequency of coil in Khz 
    T = number of turns on coil 
    W = width of the coil in inches 
   pi = 3.141592654 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 7: CAPACITANCE OF A SPHERE IN SPACE 
 
              R 
    C =   ------- 
                9 
          9 x 10 
 
 
    C = capacitance in Farads 
    R = radius in meters 
 
        9 
    9x10  = 9,000,000,000 
                                                                6 
    Note: To convert Farads to microfarads simply multiply by 10   or in 
          other words by 1,000,000. 
 
 
 
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                        >> Continued in next message << 
=========================================================================== 
 BBS: WELCOM BBS 
Date: 04-11-94 (16:03)             Number: 15059 
From: RICHARD QUICK                Refer#: NONE 
  To: JONATHAN LUTHJE               Recvd: NO   
Subj: Tesla Capacitors 4/4           Conf: (111) ELECTRONIC 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
... Continued from previous post, last of 4 parts. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 8: CAPACITANCE OF A SPHERE SUSPENDED IN A DIELECTRIC 
 
          K x R 
    C = --------- 
               9 
        9 x 10 
 
 
    C = capacitance in Farads 
    R = radius in meters 
    K = dielectric constant 
                                                                6 
    Note: To convert Farads to microfarads simply multiply by 10   or in 
          other words by 1,000,000. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    EQUATION 9: CAPACITANCE OF A TOROID 
                                                    ___________________ 
                                                   /    2 
         C =(1+ (0.2781 - d2/d1)) x  2.8  x      /  2 pi  (d1-d2)(d2/2) 
                                               /   ------------------- 
                                            \/      4 pi 
 
 
     C = capacitance in picofarads (+- 5% ) 
    d1 = outside diameter of toroid in inches 
    d2 = diameter of cross section (cord) of toroid in inches 
 
    Equation courtesy of Bert Pool 
    ======================================================================= 
 
    TESLA COIL SCHEMATIC                                  -------- 
                                                          |      | TC 
                                                          -------- 
                                                              O 
                                                              O 
               SG   SC      FCC     PC   SG        P-COIL     O S-COIL 
           O---------------OOOOO---------> <-----    O        O 
      NST  O    |    |              |           |    O        O 
           O    |    |              |           |    O        O 
   -----O||O    *   ---            ---          |--->O        O 
        O||O                                         O        O 
   -----O||O    *   ---            ---               O        O 
   110   | O    |    |              |                O        O 
   Volts | O    |    |              |                O        O 
         | O---------------OOOOO---------------------|        | 
         |                                                    | 
         |                                                    | 
        Gnd                                                  Gnd 
 
 
   NST = Neon Sign Transformer, 110 volts primary, 15,000 volt secondary 
         at 30-60 miliamps. 
    SG = Safty Gap. A spark gap to insure your transformer doesn't get fried. 
    SC = Safty Capacitor. 300-500 picofarad rated at 50 KV. 
   FCC = Ferrite Core Choke. This prevents real high voltages from coming 
         back towards your transformer. It also seperates the capacitors. 
   PC  = Primary Capacitor. Normally .01-.02 microfarads rated 50 KV. 
   SG  = Spark Gap. 
   P-COIL = Primary Coil. 
   S-Coil = Secondary Coil. 
   TC  =  Terminal Capacitor. Sphere or Toroid preferred. 
   Gnd = Ground. 
 
    Note: This is one of several possible schematics. It's just the one I 
          happen to use. 
 
    ======================================================================= 
 
    WARNING: 
 
    Only people who are experienced with High Voltage devices should 
    attempt to build Tesla Coils. They can be very deadly if you don't 
    know what your doing. Remember, if they find you on the floor 
    turning blue and frothing at the mouth - THERE IS NO SECOND CHANCE! 
 
    A FEW Safety Tips: 
 
    1. Don't ever touch the machine when it is pluged in. 
    2. Use a safe method to short out the primary capacitor after the 
       machine has been run. 
    3. Don't ever get close to a running Tesla coil, the Primary can 
       shoot hot white arcs at you that will kill you instantly! 
    4. Always have a small fire extinguisher close by. 
    5. Always use kickback preventer circuits so you don't send 
       15,000 volts back through the wall! 
    6. Pets, children, and irresponsible adults should be kept away from 
       your machine intirely!!! 
    7. Read many books on Tesla Coils and other High Voltage devices 
       and learn as much as you can about High Voltage Safety! 
 
    ======================================================================= 
    Special thanks to Bert Pool who caught some glaring errors in the second 
    draft and who contributed with an equation of his own. 
 
    I wrote this file because I felt there was a need for some real 
    information for those of us who actually build Tesla Coils, as opposed 
    to those who just talk of building them (Grin). I will be adding to this 
    file from time to time, so watch for updates. I hope it helps you out! 
 
    Jerry Gore, Member of Tesla Coil Builders Association (TCBA), 
                International Tesla Coil Society, and the North Dallas 
                Texas Tesla Coil Association. 
 
    P.S. Let us not forget the words of Tesla," Let the future tell the 
    truth and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishments. 
    The present is theirs, the future, for which I really worked, is mine". 
 
    ======================= END OF FILE =================================== 
 
... If all else fails... Throw another megavolt across it! 
--- Blue Wave/RA v2.12 [NR] 
 * Origin: Cindex Support BBS (314) 837-5422 Florissant, MO. (1:100/395.0) 
