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1)  June 20, 2004.  Tesla List.  Original poster: humanb@chaoticuniverse.com     
Hi, can someone tell me just how much more power a H-bridge can process over a Half-Bridge? It's not just 2X as much is it? It isn't that simple, is it? Also, what would be the best way to calculate the optimum Capacitance in the voltage divider for a Half-Bridge?  Currently I am using two 1uF caps, but when running a resonant tank one may want to adjust this, so I would like to find a way to calculate the optimum balance.  Thanks, David T.
 

6-25-04  sgsparky@prodigy.net

Hi Jim, I just found this website, http://www.classeradio.com/ http://www.classeradio.com/ and talk about
information overload! Everything you want to know about the use of MOSFETs in transmitters and were afraid to ask! This is Steve WA1QIX's website. He is somewhat of a pioneer in using this technique in Amateur radio applications, at least on the East Coast of USA.

From what I see on this page PDM (Pulse Duration Modulator) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulator) is the same animal.
This page looks like a valuable resource for those of us that want to modulate our coils.  Sue.

From: "Tesla list"
Date : Wed, 14 Jul 2004 19:45:25 -0600
Subject : Re: All who know VTTC stuff ;-).

Original poster: FutureT@aol.com

In a message dated 7/14/04 7:39:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time, tesla@pupman.com writes:

>Original poster: Kreso B.
>
>Hy i would have 7 questions.
>
>1. How to determine is the VTTC in perfect tune or is it not?  Kreso,

You can build a variable capacitor or change the capacitance by adding or subtracting small capacitors to change the capacitance in small steps to see if the spark length improves at any point.

You can also change the primary tap point.  However you must be aware that this changes the tank impedance and may cause changes unrelated to tuning.  Small tap changes will reflect tuning changes more than impedance changes especially if the tuning is close to begin with.

Another way to check tuning is to vary the size of the toroid.  If the sparks get longer with a smaller or larger toroid, then the tuning was probably not quite right originally.

Interestingly, the tuning if it is close will not affect the spark length, however the tube will run redder for that spark length.  In other words better tuning may not lengthen the spark, but will make the tube run cooler and reduce the power draw.  I'm assuming you want to tune for longest sparks with minimal input power.

Adjustments of grid feedback, grid resistance, tuning, coupling, etc, tend to interact.  Much adjustment may be needed before optimal results are achieved.  My best VTTC's achieve an "efficiency" of:   (without staccato)

   spark length inches = 0.5*sqrt input watts.

>2. If the secondary is wound sloppily and has many knick does this influence the spark length?

Probably not much influence.

>3. If i will rewind the secondary with same number of turns but without nicks and overlaps, will i have to retune it?

Probably the tuning will be very similar.

>4. I just noticed the tube has a small air bubble in glass ( I could post a picture). It works perfectly, but should I be worried?

Probably this is not a problem.

>5. If the filament transformer is rated fro much higher current than the tube needs can it do any harm ( my tube needs 5 V 14.1 A i have 5 V 30 A).

Current rating doesn't matter as long as it's enough.  What matters is the voltage.  The tube will only draw the rated current if the voltage is correct.

>6. Will staccato improve spark length? On my SSTC it improves it by ~200 %.

It depends.  Sometimes it won't help, other times it will.  By using staccato, you can increase the peak power but keep the average power low for longer sparks.

>7. Will an improper diode decrease performance? I currently have 6 diode >bridges in series ( greatzes).

I guess this if for a voltage doubler or level shifter?  Probably not a lot of effect on performance will be seen.  Operation on filtered DC without staccato will cause the sparks to be short, but draw terrific power.  Raw AC operation with staccato tends to be efficient.  Staccato can be used with filtered DC but is tricky to implement.  Staccato is easily implemented using a mechanical rotary switch from the filament to ground.  If the tube is a tetrode, an AC 50Hz sample of the power line can be fed to the screen grid to simulate AC operation and make electrical staccato operation easier.

Do you ever get the very straight sword-like sparks such as can be seen at my website?  (in the staccato mode)

http://hometown.aol.com/futuret/page3.html  http://hometown.aol.com/futuret/page3.html

click on tube coils (I think).  John

>Thanks for answers, Best Regards, Krešo B.