Solid State Tesla Coil: Basics & Advice

In summary: The basics of a solid state Tesla Coil are that it uses an oscillator to generate RF power which is then used to power the coil. The difference between a regular Tesla Coil and a solid state Tesla Coil is that a solid state Tesla Coil doesn't use a wire as its primary winding.
  • #1
Pagedown
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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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  • #2
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...
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
Thanks, how to make one circuit self-oscillating? Can you probably show a schematic? =)
 
  • #5
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.
 

Related to Solid State Tesla Coil: Basics & Advice

1. What is a Solid State Tesla Coil (SSTC)?

A Solid State Tesla Coil is a type of Tesla Coil that uses solid state components, such as transistors and capacitors, instead of the traditional spark gap to generate high voltage electricity.

2. How does a SSTC work?

A SSTC works by using an oscillator circuit to generate a high frequency electric current, which is then amplified and fed into a step-up transformer. The transformer increases the voltage to a level high enough to produce electrical arcs and sparks.

3. What are the benefits of a SSTC over a traditional Tesla Coil?

Some benefits of a SSTC include higher efficiency, smaller size, and greater control over the output voltage. Additionally, a SSTC does not produce the loud buzzing sound associated with traditional Tesla Coils.

4. Can I build a SSTC myself?

Yes, it is possible to build a SSTC at home, but it requires a good understanding of electronics and high voltage safety precautions. It is recommended to follow a detailed guide or seek help from an experienced builder.

5. Are there any safety concerns when working with a SSTC?

Yes, working with high voltage electricity can be dangerous. It is important to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing insulated gloves and using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents.

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