Tesla coils / jacob's ladders experience?

smitting · Joined: Feb 22, 2016 Posts: 3 Location: Phoenix

I've done the research and read the tutorials on how to build both jacob's ladders and tesla coils, but I've never talked to someone who has actually built them. In other words I have an idea of what to do, but not what NOT to do.

As I was shopping for 16kV neon-sign transformers it hit me that when building synths and arduinos I'm not exactly risking death and asking for advice would be warranted.

I'm wanting to bring this on stage as sort of a mad scientist musical character. I'm definitely going to acquire an electrical fire rated extinguisher, and I have the support of at least one local venue to give it a shot, but I really don't want to seriously hurt people or burn down the place.

Anyone out there try this sort of thing before?

Thanks,
Scott

AlanP · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 6:13 pm Post subject:

I picked up a 15kV neon sign transformer as a kid, with intentions of building a tesla coil, back in the 90s.

The transformer pretty much ate my entire budget for lunch.

So I had lots of fun making Jacob's Ladder sparks with it instead! (Along with cheapo HV capacitors, with a plastic bucket, salt water, glass bottles, and used engine oil for insulation. I'm amazed I didn't start a fire.)

Jacob's Ladders are easy to make. You just have to have a LOT of respect for the voltage involved, preferably have a registered electrician nearby (Dad is one), and use an extension cord to plug it in when you are far, far away from the thing.

The initial spark distance at the bottom will determine how quickly it gets going.

I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN! CHECK WITH ONE FIRST!

PHOBoS · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 7:22 pm Post subject:

I never build a tesla coil although I'd like to, but did play around a bit with a jacobsladder using a flyback transformer
from an old TV. Some useful tips can be found here. If you want to use it on a stage it would probably be best to have
something like a (plexiglass) tube around it for safety. Doesn't look so cool of course but neither do dead people.

smitting · Joined: Feb 22, 2016 Posts: 3 Location: Phoenix

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll to do something around the device on stage for a safety measure, was more concerned about me tripping and falling into it. I've never done that on stage, but didn't seem an impossible event.

It's a sort of mad scientist character I'm going for so I'll have options.

p.s. Phobos... Jeremiah sent me saying this was your stomping grounds. Wasn't expecting to actually run into you Smile

We've played a couple of shows with Acid Trash now, and have drooled over your electronic creations before. So hello!

PHOBoS · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 9:11 am Post subject:

oh hello and welcome btw party!

He did tell me he showed it to some other people and yeah this is like my home and if you are on the DIY section you're
bound to run into me sooner or later Wink

yes tripping/stumbling/falling (either you or someone else) is the biggest concern, I doubt someone would actually touch it on purpose.
Also secure it in a way so it can't fall over. Maybe mount it on a nice wooden table with some bricks or sand in the bottom.

For a mad scientist theme Rudy Coby might give you some inspiration. Cool

RUDY COBY - COOLEST MAGICIAN ON EARTH from Rudy Coby on Vimeo.

smitting · Joined: Feb 22, 2016 Posts: 3 Location: Phoenix

The Rudy Coby is definitely making me jealous on some set design, but I have met some people who have done it for professional theatre to help. Man especially that jack knife switch... I'm going to have to build one since you can't buy big ones apparently.

But I was planning on mounting a jacob's ladder to start on a big panel with some knobs and switches and such... that link had the suggestion of a dead man's switch, which is a GREAT idea.