Parts of a teslacoil - Spark gaps
Spark gaps are used to chop up the low
frequency supply voltage (50-60hz) into Radio Frequencys(RF).
In its basic form a spark gap is two air spaced electrodes. Although a single gap does work better results can be obtained by splitting the spark gap into many smaller spark gaps forming a multi spark gap. Blowing air through the gaps further improve the sparkgaps efficiency by blowing out the sparks (quenching) as they form and help to keep the gap cool.
A rotary spark gap has the advantage of being able to control the rate of firings.
In its basic form a spark gap is two air spaced electrodes. Although a single gap does work better results can be obtained by splitting the spark gap into many smaller spark gaps forming a multi spark gap. Blowing air through the gaps further improve the sparkgaps efficiency by blowing out the sparks (quenching) as they form and help to keep the gap cool.
A rotary spark gap has the advantage of being able to control the rate of firings.
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Static Spark Gap |
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A fan Blown, Static Multi Spark Gap |
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Rotary Spark Gap |