Solid State Tesla Coil: Basics & Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the basics and advice regarding solid state Tesla coils, particularly in the context of a final year project. Participants explore the relevance of solid state technology compared to traditional air gap Tesla coils, as well as technical considerations for building such devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the advisability of using a solid state Tesla coil for a final year project and questions whether it is an outdated technology.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on what distinguishes a solid state Tesla coil from a conventional one, expressing interest in learning more about the topic.
  • A different participant shares their experience with a Tesla transformer that utilized a RF triode valve, emphasizing the importance of using a robust oscillator and the critical nature of the primary coil's dimensions for achieving effective performance.
  • A participant requests information on how to create a self-oscillating circuit for a solid state Tesla coil and asks for a schematic.
  • One participant mentions that their experience with Tesla coils dates back 30 years and suggests looking for designs in old magazines or online resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus on the relevance of solid state Tesla coils versus traditional methods, and various technical aspects remain contested among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specifics of solid state Tesla coil designs and the necessary components, indicating a reliance on personal experience and historical references rather than established guidelines.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrical engineering, hobbyist electronics, and those considering projects involving Tesla coils may find this discussion relevant.

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Hi everyone, I am have been looking here for a long time, but today is my first day registered. I will be active from now on =). As my first post, I would like to know about the basics and advice about the solid state tesla coil. I would like to do it for my final year project. Is it advisable? or is it and old technology that is not meaningful today? and if compared to the conventional air gap method of tesla coil, which would be better?
 
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Pagedown said:
Hi everyone, I am have been looking here for a long time, but today is my first day registered. I will be active from now on =). As my first post, I would like to know about the basics and advice about the solid state tesla coil. I would like to do it for my final year project. Is it advisable? or is it and old technology that is not meaningful today? and if compared to the conventional air gap method of tesla coil, which would be better?

Welcome to the PF. What is a solid state Tesla coil? What is different from a regular Tesla coil? I'd like to learn more about this...
 
Hi and welcome
You are presumably intending to use a solid state oscillator as a source of RF power for your coil. The coil will still be 'wound'.

I only made one Tesla transformer and that used a massive RF triode valve which self-oscillated and which glowed orange-hot at times. The valve was a very rugged device so it didn't come to any great harm when the tuning wasn't right. If you use a solid state transmitting device, I should make sure that you drive it with a separate oscillator. Make sure it is a beefy as you can lay your hands on, too. Even on the primary, some pretty high voltages occur at resonance.

I found that the dimensions (spacing and no. of turns) of the primary were very critical. There was a lot of cut and try before getting a really fat discharge from the secondary. It was actually quite scary.
 
Thanks, how to make one circuit self-oscillating? Can you probably show a schematic? =)
 
It was about 30 yrs ago and all that remains is a faded photo. There must be designs in old constructor mags. or even on the net.
 

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