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I
ATENEO DE ILOILO
Santa Maria Catholic School
High School Department
Science Program
Pison Avenue, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Musical Tesla Coil:
Manipulating Electric Currents to Make Music
An Investigative Project
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Physics
Submitted to:
Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.
Submitted by:
Jozelle Jan Alpanghe Baquiano
Gershom Sabueso Dureza
Jenson Patrimonio Espanta
Rolando Mallare Nielo III
Andrea Mae Sorongon Solas
MARCH 2012
II
ATENEO DE ILOILO
Santa Maria Catholic School
High School Science Program
Pison Ave., San Rafael Mandurriao, Iloilo City
APPROVAL SHEET
This Investigative Project entitled “Musical Tesla Coil: Manipulating Electric Currents to Make Music” in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Physics IV, has been examined, accepted and approved.
Investigators
Jozelle Jan Alpanghe Baquiano Jenson Patrimonio EspantaMember Member
Rolando Mallare Nielo Andrea Mae Sorongon SolasMember Member
Gershom Sabueso DurezaLeader
Approved by:
ENGR. HERMAN MAGBANUA LAGON, Ph.D.Subject Teacher
Date of Approval:
III
ABSTRACT
Gershom Sabueso Dureza, Andrea Mae Sorongon Solas, Jozelle Jan Alpanghe Baquiano, Rolando Mallare Nielo, Jenson Patrimonio Espanta
Musical Tesla CoilInvestigative ProjectATENEO DE ILOILO
Santa Maria Catholic SchoolHigh School Department
Pison Ave., San Rafael Mandurriao, Iloilo City2012
Tesla Coils had been considered as a new step to transmitting electricity without wires and thus becoming an object of fascination over the world. That fascination had also found its way to the researchers wanting to create their own. Its abilities to transform ordinary power into high frequencies to be able to create music and light fluorescent bulbs pushed the researchers to investigate how it really works.
The objective of the study was to test manipulation of high frequency electric currents in order to create “sounds” from the device, which was measured through the length of the arc of the Tesla Coil, weight of the metallic torus and the number of coils.
To examine and discover the different factors, the investigators used dB meter to measure the pitch of the discharged current and is translated into notes through its top load.
The investigators formulated several hypotheses regarding the topic in order to help them arrive at conclusions. Each hypothesis was tested several times until the researchers arrived at a result wherein it can become a basis which variables are to be changed to further improve their experiment.
After the testing, it was found out that the investigation was a failure because of certain discrepancies and errors in determining the materials and assembling it. The investigation was also withdrawn due to the dangers that the investigators failed to review.
The materials used by the investigators were bought from D’Jeans Electrical Shop. These aided the investigators in fulfilling their goal in answering the question: “What are the factors that will affect the voltage and the pitch produce by a tesla coil?”
From the findings of the researchers, they were able to construct a plasma ball instead of having the original musical tesla coil as planned.
IV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We, the researchers, would like to express our deepest and utmost gratitude and
appreciation to the following people who, in one way or another, have helped in making
this study possible and complete:
First to Engr. Herman Magbanua Lagon, our Physics teacher, for the
consultations, assistance, and inspiration he has given to us. We thank him for the tips
on how to improve our project. We are really grateful for his patience and considerations
to us despite our shortcomings. With his assistance we were able to learn new concepts
and things that we could use in our life.
Mrs. Marilyn Pineda, the school’s laboratory in charge, for letting us borrow hard
bound Investigations and a 9,000V transformer in order for us to finish the project.
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Baquiano, parents of Jozelle Baquaino, for accommodating us
in their home during the testing of our project.
Mr. Donald Patrimonio for helping us design, ground and construct the tesla coil.
D’Jeans Electrical Supply for supplying us with our materials and helping us
make the Tesla coil.
The Electricians in D’Jeans Electrical Supply for helping us construct and
connect electrical parts of the Tesla Coil.
The Investigator’s parents, for their unending moral support, and for allowing us
to finish our Investigation during weekends.
Our Alma Mater, Ateneo de Iloilo, for exposing us to the hardships and joys of
completing an investigative study. We would like to thank the school for giving us this
chance to be able to further improve our scientific skills.
Last, but most importantly to God Almighty for keeping us steadfast and patient
throughout the investigation.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page……………………………………………………………………………….…i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………………ii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………….iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………iv
Chapter 1: Introduction …………………………………………………………….…1
Background of the Study …......................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………………….1
Hypotheses……………………………………………………………………………….2
Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………..2
Scope and Delimitations………………………………………………………………..2
Definition of terms……………………………………………………………………….3
Chapter II: Review of Related Literature…………………………………………..5
Chapter III: Methodology……………………………………………………………..
Materials………………………………………………………………………………….
Procedures……………………………………………………………………………….
Chapter IV: Results and Analysis………………………………………………………
Chapter V: Conclusions and Recommendations…………………………………….
BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………………………………………………………
APPENDICES…......................................................................................................
Financial Report………………………………………………………………………….
Photo Gallery…………………………………………………………………………….
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CHAPTER 1
Introduction
Background of the Study
Nowadays, electricity plays a big role in the society. In fact it is involved in almost
anything, and became the part of everyday use. But, before these electronics are at
hand, it started with the invention of circuit boards, electronic chips and most of all,
transformers.
Transformers are the ones which converts electricity to the right voltage for a
certain appliance. That is the reason why before the electronics will work, electricity go
through these transformers in order to regulate the voltage to be used, to absorb the
excess voltage and increase the efficiency of the electronics used.
In this study, the researchers choose Musical Tesla Coil. Like the tesla coil, it is
an air-core transformer and also called resonant transformer circuit that has an air,
rather than iron, core is used to produce high voltages at high frequencies alternating
current (AC) electricity higher than other electrical discharges. What makes the
researchers' curiosity provoked them is when they discovered the sounding property of
the tesla coil. As a one of the instruments that gives not only breakthroughs, the study of
Musical Tesla Coil gives knowledge that will answer on how it works and how it can
explain the interaction of electromagnetism and sound.
Musical Tesla Coil, is not just a good example of a scientific instrument but also
an entertainment and exhibit tool, in reflection on the breakthrough of the technology
today. In line with that, the researchers hope to develop a small scale Tesla Coil that can
create music through shooting high frequency currents. However, in this study the
researchers also want to develop a Tesla Coil which can control its current discharge
and create music according to the user’s will. The study was inspired by a well-known
movie, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, especially during the part when the protagonist was
able to create music from the electricity being released by the Tesla Coil.
Statement of the Problem
After days of deciding for the investigative project, the researchers come
up with the problem: What are the factors that will affect the voltage and the pitch
produce by a tesla coil?
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Hypotheses
In view of the preceding question, the following hypotheses are advanced:
1) The longer the height of the coil, the lower the voltage will be produced by the top
load.
2) The more number of turns on the coils made in the secondary coil, the higher
the voltage it releases.
3) The bigger the top load, the greater the voltage and the higher the pitch
produced.
Significance of the Study
Students are the ones who would benefit from the results of the study.
Musical Tesla Coil is not just a tangible instrument that will amaze students but also to
learn and encourage them to explore the fields of electromagnetism, sound and its
relationship.
Teachers are be benefited too in a way that it can be a good instrument
that would help the teachers in giving new ideas and interest in the discussion, for this
works hand in hand about the abilities of electromagnetism and its works.
Physics Enthusiasts and Future investigators can also use the study. With
these, both will have an ideas and knowledge about the abilities of the Tesla coil and its
related works of electromagnetism.
Scopes and Delimitation
The general of the study is to gather information about how Musical Tesla
Coil works in producing sound using electrical currents and what can electricity do for
our society. This study covers the concept about electromagnetism, sound and its
relationship. All these apply these ideas in conducting study on the Musical Tesla Coil.
However, this study aims to produce only a small scale Tesla Coil. It is only
limited to small experimentations due to the incorporation of home-made materials into
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the making of the Tesla Coil, which may result to slight inaccuracy. The study also needs
the help of experts and a good place in order to promote safety and to help in the
construction and experimentation of the Tesla coil. This study may also be used for
further improvement of the Tesla coil. Investigators are to test their set-up from a certain
distance away from the Tesla coil to avoid accidents from happening.
Definition of terms
1. Electric Current
Electric current is any movement of electric charge carriers, such as subatomic
charged particles (e.g., electrons having negative charge, protons having positive
charge), ions (atoms that have lost or gained one or more electrons), or holes (electron
deficiencies that may be thought of as positive particles)(http://www.britannica.com/
Ebchecked/topic/182467/electric-current an online encyclopedia that explains the
concept about electric current)
In this study, electric current that flows out from the power source. It will be
altered and will be tried to manipulate in order to create music.
2. Power Supply
A power supply is a device that supplies electrical energy to one or more electric
loads. A regulated power supply is one that controls the output voltage or current to a
specific value; the controlled value is held nearly constant despite variations in either
load current or the voltage supplied by the power supply's energy
source(http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Power+supply An online dictionary that
explains the concept about power supply).
In this study, it is the power source to operate the tesla coil. The variety of some
power supply will be used to manipulate the electric in the contraption.
3. Top Load
Top Load is a donut or toroid shape part of the tesla coil. It acts as a capacitor in
the circuit(http://www.teslacoildesign.com/ - a site that gives plan and construction of a
tesla coil)
In this study, it is the crucial part of the Tesla Coil. This head part of the tesla coil ,
which is dependent on electrc current received, use to distribute electric charges to
create musical tone.
4. Pitch
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Pitch is the highness or lowness of a sound; dependent on the frequency of the
sound. (Ferrer and Ungson,(2010) Science, Environment, Technology and Society :
Physics, p 549)
In this study, it is the intensity of the sound produce by the Musical Tesla Coil.
5. Height
Height is the altitude; distance from top to bottom.(Merriam-Webster, Webster's
Vest Pocket Dictionary, p.146)
In this study, it is the tallness needed by the tesla coil in order to receive the
desired voltage to the top load.
6. Voltage
Voltage is a quantity or amount of volts or electric current.(Merriam-Webster,
Webster's Vest Pocket Dictionary, p.353)
In this study, the amount of volts received by the the top load in order to produce
sound
7. Tesla Coil
Tesla coil is an electrical device that generates extremely high voltages, usually
for the purpose of creating dramatic electric arcs and lightning effects or for producing x-
rays. Tesla coils use step-up transformers to boost the voltage of a power supply and
build up large charges in a capacitor. A spark gap periodically shorts out the capacitor,
releasing its charge in huge current flows that generate extremely high voltages (up to
ten million volts) through an open-air transformer.
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tesla+coil an online dictionary that explain the concept
about tesla coil)
In this study, it will be used as a tool of creating music through its capability of
shooting high frequency currents.
8. Coil
Coil is a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops.
(Merriam-Webster’s Intermediate Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 2004)
In this study, coil is referred to the number of turns of wires wound around the
core. The wire that will be used by the group is a 24-gauge. The primary coil will be
represented by a 2 inch PVC pipe coupling and was attached to the middle portion of the
secondary coil. The secondary coil will be wound around a cylinder cardboard and both
will be painted with varnish for further insulation. This is one of the independent
variables.
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CHAPTER 2
Review on the Related Literature
This part of the study presents the conceptual literature and related studies about
the factors affecting the Musical Tesla Coil. These reviews are intended to facilitate
deeper understanding of the investigation
Related Concepts
A. Discovery of the Tesla coil
Tesla Coil was invented by Nikola Tesla, a Siberian-American physicist, electrical
engineer and inventor. From the Academic American Encyclopedia, it says that he
devised the alternating- current systems that underlie the modern electrical power
industry. As a result, he invented some equipment, including the Tesla Coil, which is a
kind of transformer, gives him aid in researching on high-voltage electricity and wireless.
Although he made little profit from his works, it gave way to some of what that world has
now.
According from the Article “Nikola Tesla” on Encarta 2011, Tesla Coil, Tesla's
invention, has a combination of two circuits. Each circuit has a coil of wire, both wound
together around a hollow tube. One of the coils is made of heavy wire and has just a few
turns around the tube. The other circuit coil is made of finer wire wound many times
around the tube. When an alternating current passes through, the coil of heavy wire , it
produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field induces current in the fine wire. Because
of the difference in the wire and number of turns, the frequency of the current in the finer
coil is much higher, and the voltage is also higher in the finer coil. Using this device,
Tesla produced an electric spark 41 m (135 ft) long in 1899. He also lit more than 200
lamps over the distance of 40 km (25 mi) without the use of intervening wires. The high-
frequency current of a large Tesla coil can energizer the gas -filled tubes from a long
distance.
From http://www.eng.utah.edu/~kier/tesla/index.html, wherein it shows the
knowledge of the group about Tesla coils, Tesla invented his coil with the intention of
transmitting electricity through the air. He conducted much research in this area. Indeed
he spent the majority of his career attempting to achieve wireless power. His setup was
XI
simple. He purposed using a few coils spread across the globe to transmit electrical
energy through the earth. Where ever power was needed one would need only a
receiving coil to convert the power into a useful form. Tesla had some successes in this
area but his investors found it impractical and refused to support further research.
B. Applications of the Tesla Coil
After the discovery of the Tesla Coil, the applications about the tesla coil were felt
in 1920's. According to http://www.pbs.org/tesla/ins/lab_tescoil.html, wherein Public
Broadcasting Service introduces about Tesla coil, Tesla made an antenna of the high-
voltage end of his secondary; it became a powerful radio transmitter. In fact, in the early
decades of radio, most practicable radios utilized Tesla coils in their transmission
antennas. Tesla himself used larger or smaller versions of his invention to investigate
fluorescence, x-rays, radio, wireless power, biological effects, and even the
electromagnetic nature of the earth and its atmosphere.
Today, high-voltage labs often operate such devices, and amateur enthusiasts
around the world build smaller ones to create arcing, streaming electrical displays—it is
not difficult to reach a quarter million volts. (One of the very first particle accelerator
designs, by Rolf Wideroe in 1928, generated its high voltage in a Tesla coil.) The coil has
become a commonplace in electronics, used to supply high voltage to the front of
television picture tubes, in a form known as the fly back transformer.
C. Resonant Transformers
Musical Tesla Coil is a one of a Resonant Transformer. According to the
http://www.eieconcepts.com/resonant_transformers.html, which Extremely Ingenious
Engineering explains what resonant transformer is, resonance transformer converts a
low-voltage DC input into a high-voltage periodic signal at frequencies up to a hundred
kilohertz, essential for the resonant transformer effect. The transformer, using novel
conversion circuitry can output DC or any other utilization voltage.
This DC is input to the transformer, which is converted to a high-frequency
driving signal, essential for the resonant condition to occur in the device. The high-power
resonant transformer is driven at relatively high frequencies, up to a hundred kilohertz,
made possible by advances in solid state power transistors. This driving signal initiates
the resonant effect in the primary and secondary coils of the transformer, converting the
input to a high-voltage signal at a comparatively high frequency, present on the device’s
secondary coil.
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The resonant transformer effect is an old technology renewed by the
infusion of modern semiconductor technology. A novelty of resonant transformers is that
the high voltage developed is a consequence of the resonant effect, rather than winding
ratio of the coils. In fact, the early use of these devices was for the generation and
transmission of radio.
Once a high voltage is developed in the transformer, the output is pulled
from the secondary coil by an output coil. The output is then converted into DC and then
to any other utilization power by a novel rectifier arrangement.
They envision this technology as useful to various manufacturing
processes or power handling. One of the primary novelties of the device is the ability to
output DC from a high-frequency power signal. The high voltage generation and
electromagnetic field control technology from this device is also used in other EIE
applications, notably the simultaneous transmission of power and data through the use
of spatially distributed resonant transformers. This transformer can replace traditional
transformers in a broad range of applications, including power distribution.
D. Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism broadly refers to the properties of electric and magnetic fields.
Many of the events witnessed on the show are a result of electromagnetic phenomena
inherent to the Island. Electromagnetism is one of the DHARMA Initiative's fields of study
(as stated in the Swan Orientation Film). The source of the electromagnetism on the
Island is the Heart of the Island. The energy radiates to different areas around the Island
which have been tapped by various groups of people, such as the DHARMA Initiative
and Claudia's people.
Related Studies
A. William Duddell's “Musical Arcs”
Musical Arcs is also known as plasma speaker, a related study of musical tesla
coil.
According to http://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201012/physicshistory.cfm
showng by the APS (American Physical Society) about Duddell's work, by 1900, the
streets of London were lit entirely by electric means. The lamps did not use
incandescent light bulbs, however, even though Thomas Edison had invented them by
then. Those bulbs were very new, still quite inefficient, and too dim to illuminate London’s
dark streets and alleyways, although they proved ideal for indoor lighting. So London
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street lamps used carbon arc lamps, generating light via a continuous electric sparks.
The effect had been known since the early 1800s, when scientists started
building the first large batteries and noticed that electric current jumped across a gap
in a circuit from one electrode to another, producing a brilliant light in the process.
British chemist Humphrey Davy is credited with inventing the arc lamp. In 1809, he
connected two wires to a battery, and used charcoal strips as electrodes. This created a
sufficiently intense light for illumination, and Davy’s arc lamp became a popular
component of his public lectures.
Arc lamps were not immediately suitable for street lighting. They required large
batteries or generators, and the batteries depleted quickly because of the large currents
used. So arc lamps were costly to operate, and the light fluctuated far too wildly to be of
practical use. The intense heat of the arc also ate away the electrodes until the gap
became too great for a spark to jump across. Generators became widely available in the
1840s, and Russian inventor Paul Jablochkoff devised a version in 1870 that used two
parallel carbon rods to lengthen the service life. Arc lighting debuted in Paris in June
1878 as part of an exposition, and soon found its way to London and the US as well.
Such systems required daily maintenance by a small army of technicians, and
arc lamps weren’t practical for indoor use, but the only real remaining problem was a
constant humming noise–a byproduct of the generated sparks. An English physicist
named William Duddell set out to find a solution, and ended up inventing the first fully
electrical instrument.
Born in 1872, Duddell was privately educated in both England and France, but
his knowledge of electricity came not from formal studies, but from a natural curiosity
about how things worked. He was apprenticed to an electronics shop as a teenager,
eventually teaching at the City and Guilds Institute in London, where he received much
of his education. He had a knack for invention, too, building an Oscillograph capable of
photographic recording and observing of oscillating frequency waveforms; a thermo-
galvanometer to measure very low currents; and a magnetic standard, the better to
calibrate ballistic galvanometers of the era. Modified versions of his thermo-
galvanometer are still used today.
In 1899, Duddell decided to tackle the humming problem in London streetlights. A
few years earlier, a German scientist named Dr. Simon had noticed that an electric arc
could “sing” if one modulated the voltage to its power source. It is unclear whether
Duddell knew of Simon’s work, but he conducted numerous experiments of his own. He
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also discovered that varying the voltage powering the lamps allowed him to control the
audio frequencies via a resonating circuit. This did not eliminate the humming problem
he had set out to solve, but it did give Duddell an idea. By attaching a makeshift
keyboard, he was able to produce musical notes. This led to his invention of the “singing
arc,” which he first exhibited to a group of electrical engineers in 1899. Nature reported
on the invention in 1900.
It was not the first such electric instrument. Back in 1761, a Parisian inventor
named J.B. Delaborde built an electronic harpsichord. There was also a musical
telegraph from 1876 and an electro-mechanical piano from 1867. The availability of
components like solenoids and motors led to many versions of electromechanical
instruments. However, the “singing arc” was the first electronic instrument that could be
heard without an amplifier. And those who witnessed Duddell’s demonstration of his
invention noticed another peculiar effect: nearby arc lamps that used the same
power source also played the “music” being generated by the singing arc.
But despite the fact that he toured the country demonstrating his invention,
Duddell’s “singing arc” amounted to little more than an amusing novelty of engineering.
He never developed it further, or patented his invention, which is a shame, because
several scientists speculated about the potential for playing music over London’s lighting
network, based on that unusual effect. Later inventors realized that the device could be
used as a radio transmitter just by attaching an antenna.
The other major electric instrument that appeared around the same time was the
Telharmonium. It was patented in 1897 and built in 1906 by Thaddeus Cahill. The
Telharmonium relied upon an array of 145 large rotary generators (dynamos) to create
alternating currents at different audio frequencies, and then used acoustic horns and
telephone receivers to convert those waveforms into sound. He even managed to
construct a network of wires so that people in New York City could subscribe to his
Telharmonic transmissions. The instrument was far too bulky to enjoy widespread use–it
weighed 200 tons and was 60 feet long, easily filling a room, and cost $200,000 to build–
but even though the prototype has been lost, it is recognized as a precursor to such
instruments as electronic organs, synthesizers and similar technologies commonly used
today.
Duddell went on to serve as president of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, and
was elected to the Royal Society in 1907. In his later years he took on secret research
for the US government. Alas, Duddell died young, at the age of 45. England’s Institute of
XV
Physics named its Duddell Medal in his honor, awarded to scientists who have made
contributions to the advancement of the knowledge of physics. And electric instruments
revolutionized the music industry. Today, modern music makers are hearkening back to
the past, creating music with “singing Tesla coils” and similar technologies. Duddell
would have approved.
B. The Tesla Magnifying Transmitter
The Magnifying Transmitter by Nikola Tesla is another kind electromagnetic
instrument. According to http://jnaudin.free.fr/html/tmt.htm, wherein Jean-Louis Naudin
discusses The Magnifying Transmitter, Tesla said that Tesla Magnifying Transmitter: "...It
is a resonant transformer with a secondary in which the parts charged to a high
potential, are of considerable area and arranged in space along ideal enveloping
surfaces of very large radii of curvature, and at proper distances from one another
thereby insuring a small electrical surface density everywhere so that no leak can occur
even if the conductor is bare. It is suitable for any frequency, from a few too many
thousands of cycles per second, and can be used in the production of currents of
tremendous volume and moderate pressure, or of smaller amperage and immense
electro-motive force. The maximum electric tension is merely dependant on the
curvature of the surfaces on which the charged elements are situated and the area of
the latter."
In the Tesla's Magnifying transmitter, the energy is continuously bounced back
and forth between the earth and the reflecting capacitance at a rate timed to a natural
rate of the earth.
Nikola Tesla has said in a patent about improvements relating to the
Transmission of Electrical energy. He said that ".....Stated otherwise, the terrestrial
conductor is thrown into resonance with the oscillations impressed upon it just like a
wire. More than this, a number of facts ascertained by me clearly show, that the
movement of electricity through it follows certain laws with nearly mathematical rigor. For
the present it will be sufficient to state, that the earth behaves like a perfectly smooth or
polished conductor of inappreciable resistance, with capacity and self-induction
uniformly distributed along the axis of symmetry of waves propagation and transmitting
slow electrical oscillations without sensible distortion and attenuation. Besides the
above, three requirements seem to be essential to the establishment of the resonating
condition.
First, the earth's diameter passing through the pole should be an odd multiple of
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the quarter wave-length, that is, of the ratio between the velocity of light and four times
the frequency of the currents.
Second, it is necessary to employ oscillations, in which the rate of radiation of
energy into space in the form of Hertzians or electromagnetic waves is very small. To
give an idea I would say, that the frequency should be smaller than twenty thousand per
second, through shorter waves might be practicable. The lowest frequency would appear
to be six per second, in which case there will be but one node, at or near the ground
plate, and, paradoxical as it may seem, the opposite the transmitter. With oscillations still
slower the earth, strictly speaking, will not resonate, but simply act as capacity, and the
variation of potential will be more or less uniform over its entire surface.
The most essential requirement is, however, that irrespective of frequency, the
wave or wave train should continue for a certain interval of time, which he have
estimated to be not less than 1/12-or probably 0.08484-of a second, and which is taken
in passing to, and returning from the region diametrically opposite the pole, over the
earth's surface, with a mean velocity of about 471,240 kilometers per second.
He added that to produce an electrical movement of the required magnitude it is
desirable to charge the terminal as highly as possible, for while a great quantity of
electricity may also be displaced by a large capacity charged to low pressure, there are
disadvantages met with in many cases when the former is made too large. The chief of
theses are due to the fact that an increase of the capacity entails a lowering of the
frequency impulses or discharges and diminution of energy of vibration.
With these gathered information, the researchers are challenged to find the
similar data and observation during the experimentation, in order to enhance the
upcoming projects. These researches and reference motivate to bring progress and
welfare to all investigative project and breakthroughs in the future.
.
XVII
CHAPTER 3
Methodology
This chapter describes the research methodology. It consists of the list of
materials and equipments to be used and the procedures that will be sequence
according to the order of the hypothesis stated in the study.
Materials
This investigation used the following materials for the study:
1. Power Supply 15. Pliers
2. AC Line Filter 16. Measuring tape
3. PFC capacitor 17. Screwdrivers
4. NST filter 18. Sockets
5. Spark Gap 19. Wrench
6. Primary Capacitors 20. Epoxy
7. NST Protection 21. Copper wire (60 m)
8. Plywood (3' X 3') 22. Db meter
9. Ground Rod 23. Step up Transformer
10. Power Switch 24. Magnetic wire
11. Soldering iron and solder 25. Electrical wire
12. Digital Voltmeter 26. Light bulb
13. Drill 27. Fluorescent
14. Wire cutters 28. Rubber tape
These materials were all purchased at ACE Hardware and D’Jeans’ Electrical
Supply while some were bought from Manila or were be provided by the experts.
Overall, the project costs 2150 pesos.
Procedures
Creating the Primary Coil
Typically 1/4 inch copper tubing is used to make the primary coil. The
researchers used a flat copper ribbon to save space leaving about 1/4 inch spacing
between turns. This prevents arcing and allows space for a tap point. The primary coil
can be constructed on just about any non conductive material, in this case, the plywood.
XVIII
The material should be strong enough to support the weight of the copper. Plastic wire
ties with notches every 1/4 inch are attached to the primary coil to help it stay in place.
If you get copper tubing or wire that is coiled or wound on a spool do not unwind
it before making the primary coil. Use the natural shape of the coil to help do the
winding. Try not to straighten and bend the tubing or wire too much as this will cause to
harden.
Then a strike ring is attached about 2 inches above the outer most turn this ring
stops arcs from the top load from reaching the primary coil. An arc strike to the primary
coil can produce a voltage spike large enough to kill the primary caps and / or NSTs.
The ring should not be completely closed. One end should attach to the secondary earth
ground. Smaller coils that do not produce arcs long enough to reach the primary coil do
not require a strike ring, although it never hurts to have one.
Secondary Coil
The secondary wire is typically thin (22 AWG to 28 AWG) magnet wire wound on
a PVC form. The researchers aimed for about 1000 coils on the secondary coil.
The secondary coil is usually wound on PVC pipe, although cardboard or most
other non-conductive materials can be used. Make sure the PVC pipe should be clean
and dry. Do not use pipes with the metal strip as the metal strip quickly shorts out the
coil. Do away with any metal screws, bolts, plates on the secondary. A non-conductive
nylon bolt was used to attach the top load to the secondary coil.
Start by securing the end of the magnet wire a few inches from the end of the
PVC. Secure the wire with tape or drilling a couple small holes in the PVC and threading
the wire through. Be sure to leave about a foot or two of magnet wire unwound on the
end. Have some tape handy to easily hold the wire for rest breaks or untangling. Be
careful not to leave any space between the windings. Keep some tension on the wire as
you wind it. Tape the ends of the magnet wire down when finished and leave a couple
feet of extra wire until only a couple of inches is left to the top load.
Wound the coil slowly and if possible by hand to make sure that the coils don’t
overlap each other on each turn. The researchers used thin gloves to protect them from
any form of injury while winding the coil on the PVC
Top Load
The most common method of toroid construction is to wrap aluminum dryer duct
around an aluminum pie pan. You can also use a spun aluminum toroid. A top load can
be made of practically anything with a smooth shape covered in aluminum foil
XIX
The size of the top load and the amount of power applied dictates the size and
number of arcs that the Tesla coil produces. If the top load is small, then it produces
numerous simultaneous, shorter arcs. As the size of the top load is increased the
number of arcs are be reduced and the arc length increases. If the toroid is too large the
field strength would not be strong enough to allow arcs to breakout. Placing a sharp
pointed object like a thumb tack (called a break out point) on the toroid creates a
disruption in the field and allows the arc to break out from the break out point.
Generally the diameter of the toroid ring should be about the same as the
secondary coil, meaning a secondary coil wound on 4 inch PVC pipe should use 4 inch
diameter dryer duct. The overall diameter of the toroid should be about 4 times the ring
diameter, so 4 inch diameter dryer duct should be wrapped around an 8 inch pie pan for
a total overall diameter of 16 inches.
Wiring
The researchers are referring the wiring system on coil_construction.gif in the
appendix, wherein, using soldering iron, solder and plywood is to wire up the materials to
be place in the contraption with copper wires as a connector to the equipment.
Grounding
After wiring, grounding is next. The grounding rod should be pound on the
ground as close as possible to the Tesla coil generally 6 or 8 foot minimum depth is
recommended. The location is near the power supply and the secondary coil
Adjusting Gaps
The researchers are taking care of the widths of all the spark gaps in the
Tesla coil needs to be carefully adjusted for optimum performance. The Battery should
be disconnected and adjust the spark gap to its width. After adjusting, the researchers
check again if it its voltage goes to its right path or not in short circuit. Otherwise, the
procedures are to be repeated until it would be in correct circuit
Tuning
Before running the coil the researchers need to tune it. Tuning refers to
the process of adjusting the resonant frequencies of the whole circuit to the same
frequency; the researchers are doing the process of tuning to get the longest possible
arcs, in order to hear the sound. The typical tuning procedure is to tap the primary coil at
the suggested number of turns and run the coil checking for the arc length.
XX
Testing of Hypothesis 1:
The researchers, used 2 kinds of coils, the primary and secondary coil in different
sizes, labeled 0.25m-coil -A, 0.50m-coil-B and 0.75m-coil C. The voltage was measured
with voltmeter along on the earth ground. The length of the primary and secondary coil
was recorded with different combinations. Then, the researchers recorded the data on
this table.
Testing of Hypothesis 2:
The researchers are going to perform tuning. Tuning refers to the process of
adjusting the resonant frequencies of the whole circuit to the same frequency. The
researchers are doing the process of tuning to get the longest possible arcs, in order to
hear the sound. The typical tuning procedure is to tap the primary coil at the suggested
number of turns and run the coil checking for the arc length.
The turns that were 400, 600 and 800 turns then, using the voltmeter, the
researchers measured the voltage on the earth ground. After testing the hypothesis, the
researchers recorded the voltage of the coil release.
The researchers advise everyone that they should always maintain proper
distance from the tesla coil since it emits electricity in high voltage and may cause
severe damage, even death to the person testing.
Testing of Hypothesis 3:
Using the 0.2 kg, 0.4 kg and 0.6 kg of the top load, the researchers are to
measure its radius and solve to its voltage. Likewise on Hypothesis 3, the testing is to
put the top load on and to record the data soon as the coil was turned on. Then the
researchers recorded the data, using the voltmeter and DB meter, in the table below.
XXI
CHAPTER 4
Results and Analyses
This chapter analyzes and interprets the data revealed in the study. This investigation
was aimed to answer this question: What are the factors that will affect the voltage and
the pitch produce by a Tesla coil?
Here, the results of the investigators will be presented in the same sequence as
stated in the hypotheses and procedures.
Below is the table that contains the result of the height of the coil and the voltage
produced by the top load.
Table 1: Length of the coils vs. Voltage
Length of
Primary Coil
(m)
Length of
Secondary
Coil (m)
Trial 1(V) Trial 2 (V) Trial 3 (V) Total
Average
0.25
0.25 4000 4100 4200 4100
0.5 3600 3800 3750 3700
0.75 3150 3300 3100 3200
0.50
0.25 3850 3500 3900 3750
0.5 3500 3550 3200 3400
0.75 2700 2850 2950 2800
0.75
0.25 3500 3650 3450 3500
0.5 3100 3050 3200 3100
0.75 2600 2450 2500 2500
In the table on top, it shows that as length of the primary and secondary coil
increases the voltage of the arc released lessens. This is because the electricity had to
pass by a lot of coils before it reaches the top load and thus releasing only that certain
amount of voltage. Although the same electric current was released, the voltage was
found to be slightly lower because the electrons were moving slowly as it reaches the
top load.
However, the researchers found out that there was some inconsistency with the
construction of the set up since the diameter of the PVC pipe where the secondary coil
was wound was different from each other, thus proving that the data recorded above
may be wrong and crude.
This is because according to research, the size of the secondary coil is generally
governed by the power output of the power supply. For an average sized Tesla coil
XXII
(about 1kW) a 4 inch to 6 inch diameter secondary coil is advisable. Smaller coils should
have about 3 inch to 4 inch
diameter, while larger coils should
have at least a 6 inch diameter. The
height to width ratio (also known as
the aspect ratio) is important. The
height of the coil should be about 4
or 5 times the diameter in an
average sized Tesla coil. For
example the secondary coil on a
1kW Tesla coil with a 4 inch
diameter should be about 16 to 20
inches high. Smaller coils should have a height to width ratio close to 6, while larger coils
should be close to 3.
Figure 1 shows the set-up 1 with 0.25 m primary coil. Series 1 represents the set-
up 1.1 where in the secondary coil also measures 0.25 m in height. Series 2 is set-up
1.2 wherein the secondary coil measures 0.5 m and series 3 is set-up 1.3 where the
secondary coil measures 0.75 m in height. It basically shows that as the length of the
secondary coil increases, the average, or the final voltage released decreased
significantly. The same results have been observed with the other set-ups and shows
that when the length of the primary coil is increased, the voltage released decreases but
then again, this data is crude due to the inconsistency of the independent variables.
Table 2: Electric Current (V)
Number of turns Trial 1(V) Trial 2 (V) Trial 3 (V) Total
Average
400 3150 3500 3900 3500
600 3600 3450 3900 3650
800 4000 3750 3850 3900
The table on top shows that the more number of turns of the coil in the secondary coil,
the higher the voltage was released by the top load. The researchers noted that if each
of the primary coil used is the same in number of turns, which is 400, the greater number
of turns in the secondary coil, the greater it will produce voltage.
1 2 30
50010001500200025003000350040004500
Set-up 1 with 0.25 m Primary Coil
Series1Series2Series3
Number of Trials
Voltage Released
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AverageNumber of turns
Trial 1(V) Trial 2 (V) Trial 3 (V) Total
0500
10001500200025003000350040004500
Series1Series2Series3
Hypothesis 3: The bigger the top load, the greater the voltage and the higher the
pitch produced.
Using the 0.2 kg, 0.4 kg and 0.6 kg of the top load, the researchers are to
measure its radius and solve to its voltage. Likewise on Hypothesis 3, the testing is to
put the top load on and to record the data soon as the coil will be turn on. Then the
researchers are going to record the data, using the voltmeter and DB meter, in the table
below.
Table 3: The Size of the Top Load vs. Voltage and Pitch
Top load
Trial 1(V) Trial 2 (V) Trial 3 (V) Total
Average
In Mass
(kg)
In
circumferen
ce (m)
Voltage
(V)
Pitch
(dB)
Voltage
(V)
Pitch
(dB)
Voltage
(V)
Pitch
(dB)
Voltage
(V)
Pitch
(dB)
0.2
0.09 3650 98 3400 95 3450 92 3500 95
0.4
0.15 3500 94 3600 93 3750 93 3600 93
0.6
0.21 3750 94 3600 94 3600 93 3650 93
This table shows that the top load with a heavier mass created the greatest
voltage and the one with the smallest mass created the highest pitch.
The researchers noted that there is little to no effect of the top load to its voltage
and its pitch. It is supposed to be the frequency of the sound that is to be tested in order
to manipulate the tones created by the musical tesla coil.
XXIV
CHAPTER 5
Conclusions and Recommendations
Based on the results of the investigation conducted, the following conclusions were
derived:
1. There is a significant relationship between the height and the diameter of the
shaft of the secondary coil as it creates a higher voltage. Also the length of the
secondary coil is generally governed by the power of the power supply. But according to
the recorded data, as the length of the primary coil increases the voltage released
decreases which goes the same with the secondary coil. However, there was a
discrepancy noted during the testing and tabulating of the data, due to the inconsistency
of the independent variables. Therefore hypothesis 1 is rejected due to unsure data.
2. There is a significant relationship between the numbers of turns of the coil in
the secondary coil and the voltage released. The second testing was also inconsistent
and the hypothesis cannot be proven properly due to incomplete and seemingly
contradicting data. Therefore, hypothesis 2 is also rejected.
3. There is a significant relationship between the mass of the top load and the
pitch the arc releases. The inverse proportionality shows that as the mass of the top load
increases, the pitch of the arc decrease and vice versa. However, not enough data was
gathered to support this statement. Therefore hypothesis 3 is partially not rejected.
Based on the aforementioned findings and conclusions, the investigators
generally conclude that an efficient design for the Tesla coil should be properly planned
and the independent variables should be consistent with each other. Thus the
investigation was a failure.
The researchers later recommended the following for the improvement of the
Musical Tesla Coil:
1. For the students, the researchers recommend that they should never ever waste
time and space when they want to investigate about the Tesla coil, because it is
not an easy topic to dwell on. They should know all the components and its
dynamics in order to create a Musical Tesla Coil.
2. For the future researchers, the present researchers recommend that they should
learn to sort out their priorities and should always be a chapter ahead. They
should also make sure to schedule early testing dates as to avoid cramming.
3. For the future researchers, they also should explore the idea of finding other
factors that can affect the musical Tesla Coil. They should not limit their
XXV
understanding that all things are possible. They should be well rounded and
equipped with the factors that may affect and lead the investigation into a failure.
Also in testing the contraption, the future researchers should be ready with the
possible incidents that can happen, like untimely explosion of the capacitors and
transformer. They should always check the safety of the contraption before
testing it as to avoid unlikely accidents.
XXVI
BIBLIOGRAPHY1. Arc Attack. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2011, from arcattack.com:
http://www.arcattack.com/about.p2. Audio File. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2011, from The Audio Advisor:
http://eli47.tripod.com/Page23. Baker, C. (n.d.). The Synth. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Open Labs:
http://www.openlabs.com/thsynth.html 4. Blinder, S. (n.d.). Series RLC Circuits. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Wolfram
Demonstrations Projecthttp://demonstrations.wolfram.com/SeriesRLCCircuits/ 5. Bloch, T. (2004). The Ondes Martenot. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Thomas
Bloch: musicianperformer of rare instruments: http://www.thomasbloch.net/en_ondes-martenot.html
6. Burnett, R. (2001). Solid State Tesla Coil. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Richie's Tesla Coil Web paghttp://www.richieburnett.co.uk/sstate.html#recent
7. Busoni, F. (1962). Sketch of a New Aesthetic of Music. New York: Dover Publications.
8. Clemens, j. (n.d.). Csounds. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Csounds.com:http://www.csounds.com/about
9. Cloutier, S. (n.d.). Pulse Width (Duration) Modulators- updated for Solid State Devices. Retrieved Au6, 2011, from Class E radio: http://www.classeradio.com/pdm_article_solid_state.html
10. Cross Sound. (2010, August 12). Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Scientists of Sounds:
http://chercheursdesons.hautetfort.com/archive/2010/12/08/croix-sonore.html Everything You Wanted to Know About Speakers. (1998). Retrieved August 6, 2011, from DJ Societyhttp://www.djsociety.org/Speaker_1.htm
11. History of Electronic Music: The demise of the Telharmonium. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2011, fromMusic Technology Musician: http://musictechmusician.weebly.com/lesson-1.html
12. Hunt, O. (2008). Plasma Sonic Speaker. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from HV Labs:
http://www.hvlabs.com/plasmasonic.html 13. Jermanis, B. (n.d.). Coil Capacitance. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Nikola
Tesla and My Thoughts:http://free-ri.htnet.hr/Branko/07d2.html 14. Johnson, D. G. (2009, March 11). Tesla Coil Impedance. Retrieved August 6,
2011, fromhttp://www.eece.ksu.edu/~gjohnson/TeslaCoilImpedance.pdf
15. Lossius, T. P. (2006). JAMOMA: A Modular Standard for Structuring Patches in Max. Retrieved August 6,
2011, from Jamoma.org: http://www.jamoma.org/papers/jamoma-icmc2006.pdf 16. Lux, J. (1998, january 24). Medhurst's Formulas for celf capacitance of air-core
coil. Retrieved August 6,2011, from http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlux/hv/medhurst.htm
17. MacDonald, C. L. (2009). Catapults, Corked Bats, and Tesla Coils: Finding the Truth. Worcester: Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
18. Matmos. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Brainwashed.com:http://www.brainwashed.com/common/htdocs/discog/ole799.php?site=matmos
19. Olson, L. (2001). The Family of Direct Radiators. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from Nutshell High Fidelity:
http://www.nutshellhifi.com/library/speaker-design2.html
XXVII
APPENDICES
Break down of Expenses
PVC 200
Magnetic Wire 150
Labor 400
Services 200
Capacitor 640
Plywood 200
Electrical wire 100
Light bulb 40
Florescent 80
Rubber tape 140
Grand Total: 2150 Php
Jozelle Jan Alpanghe Baquiano Jenson Patrimonio EspantaMember Member
Rolando Mallare Nielo Andrea Mae Sorongon SolasMember Member
Gershom Sabueso DurezaLeader
XXVIII
RESUME
Name: ANDREA MAE SOLASAddress: Lot 5, Ivy Street, Phase 2, NHA Mandurriao, Iloilo CityAge: 16Gender: FemaleDate of Birth: September 19, 1995Place of Birth: Iloilo Mission HospitalNationality: FilipinoHeight: 5’8Weight: 823.2 NLandline: N/AEmail: [email protected]
ParentsFather’s Name: Arturo Solas Jr. Age: 48Occupation: Ship Captain
Mother’s Name: Luisa Sorongon SolasAge: 48Occupation: Business Entrepreneur
Languages Spoken: English, Hiligaynon, FilipinoReligion: Roman CatholicSkills: photo editing, singing, fashion designingHobbies: blogging, writing, photographyCareer Ambition: Surgeon
Schools Attended Grade/Year Level School Year RemarksNew Lucena Central
SchoolNursery-Kinder 1 1998-1999 Honor Student
Assumption Convent Prep-Grade 6 1999-2008 Blue Star Awardee5th Honorable Mention
Mariale ContributorAteneo de Iloilo 1st year -4th year 2008-2012 Chinese Honor
Student,OBKBVM- Knight
Armsmeister; Knight Quarter Master, Lady
Bannerman,Vinculum Editor/Staff
Member
Previous Investigative Projects/Research PapersYear Level Name of Project1st year Incombustible Paper2nd year Effects of Worms to Plant Growth3rd year Biodegradable Plastic4th year Tesla Coil
XXIX
RESUME
Name: ROLANDO MALLARE NIELO IIIAddress: Yulo Drive Arevalo, Iloilo CityAge:16Gender: MaleDate of birth: October 24, 1995Place of birth: St.Paul’s HospitalNationality: FilipinoHeight: 5”8Weight: 637 NLandline: 337-1844Email: [email protected]
ParentsFather’s Name: Rolando F. Nielo IIAge: 46Occupation: Provincial Accountant
Mother’s Name: Tina M. Nielo Age: 43Occupation: DSWD Employee
Languages Spoken: English, Hiligaynon, TagalogReligion: Roman CatholicSkills: reading, cooking, drawing, sketchingHobbies: playing basketball, playing football, listening to music, surfing the net, exercise, singingCareer Ambition: to be a successful architect, engineer and CPA.
Schools Attended Grade/Year Level School Year RemarksDoane Baptist School
Nursery - Prep 1998 - 2001 3rd HonorsAccelerated
Assumption Grade 1 - 2 2001 - 2002 GraduateAteneo de Iloilo – SMCS
Grade 3 - 6 2003 - 2008 Honor StudentGraduated with honors
Ateneo de Iloilo – SMCS
1st year – 4th year 2008 - 2011 Honor StudentBoy Scout’s MemberDebate Club Member
Previous Investigative Projects/Research PapersYear Level Name of Project2008 – 2009 Effect of Salty Water to the Growth of
Fishes2009- 2010 Paper Wall Tile2010 – 2011 Anti-septic properties of Malunggay to
Staphylococcus Aureus2011 – 2012 Tesla Coil
XXX
RESUME
Name: JOZELLE JAN ALPANGHE BAQUIANOAddress: 17 Quezon Street Arevalo Iloilo CityAge: 16Gender Femaledate of birth October 17,1995Place of birth St. Paul’s HospitalNationality FilipinoHeight 5’Weight 529.2 NLandline 3363149/3370705Email: [email protected]
ParentsFather’s Name: Alan BaquianoAge: 46Occupation Businessman
Mother’s Name: Josette BaquianoAge: 46Occupation: Businesswoman
Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, ChineseReligion: Roman CatholicSkills: Volleyball, Table Tennis, Hobbies: Reading, Playing Volleyball, Playing Table Tennis, Surfing the Net, BakingCareer Ambition: To be a successful doctor
Schools Attended Grade/Year Level School Year RemarksBalm of Gilead Learning Center
Nursery - Prep 1998-2001
Ateneo de Iloilo -SMCS
Grade 1- Grade6 2001-2008
Ateneo de Iloilo 1st year – 4th yr 2008-2012 Honor Student – Chinese, Vice President – Kulinarya , 4th year representative – Book Club, volleyball varsity player
Previous Investigative Projects/Research PapersYear Level Name of Project2008 – 2009 Combustible Paper(Integrated Science)2009 - 2010 The Effect of Vitamin C to Koi Fish
(Biology)2010 -2011 Liquefied Fish Guts as Fertilizers
(Chemistry)2011 - 2012 Musical Tesla Coil(Physics)
XXXI
RESUME
Name: JENSON PATRIMONIO ESPANTAAddress: Sto. Nini Sur Arevalo Iloilo CityAge: 17Gender Maledate of birth June 12 1998Place of birth Doctor’s HospitalNationality FilipinoHeight 5’6Weight 764.4 NLandlineEmail:
ParentsFather’s Name: Noel D. EspantaAge:50Occupation
mother’s Name: Mary Jean t. PatrimonioAge:51Occupation: Cashier
Languages Spoken: English, Chinese, bisaya, tagalogReligion: Roman CatholicSkills: badminton, biking, basketballHobbies: surfing internet, readingCareer Ambition: to be captain
Schools Attended Grade/Year Level School Year RemarksAteneo De Iloilo Nursery-prep 1998-2001Ateneo De Iloilo Grade 1-Grade 6 2001-2008Ateneo De Iloilo 1st yr-2nd yr 2008-2009
Previous Investigative Projects/Research PapersYear Level Name of Project1st year Rechargeable Flash Light2nd year Preserve the pork by honey3rd year Bio fuel4th year Tesla coil
XXXII
RESUME
Name: GERSHOM SABUESO DUREZAAddress: San Antonio, San Miguel, IloiloAge: 15Gender male date of birth August 18, 1996Place of birth Tondo, ManilaNationality: FilipinoHeight: 5’7”Weight: 676.2Landline: 882-0058Email: [email protected]
ParentsFather’s Name: Gil DurezaAge 57:Occupation Seaman
mother’s Name: Evelyn DurezaAge: 51Occupation: Housewife
Languages Spoken: English, FilipinoReligion: CatholicSkills: Scrabble, Word FactoryHobbies: Drawing, ReadingCareer Ambition Chemist, Engineer
Schools Attended Grade/Year Level School Year RemarksWarner Christian Academy
Preschool 1999 -2000 4th Honor
Bethel Luther School
Nursery, Grade 3 2000 – 2005 Honorable Mention (all school level)
Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus (CHJ)
Grade 4- Grade 6 2005 – 2008 Honorable MentionDiligent Award
Ateneo de Iloilo – SMCS
1st yr – 2nd yr HS 2008-2012 Honorable Mention
Previous Investigative Projects/Research PapersYear Level Name of Project1st Year Honey as Pervavative for Meat2nd Year Eggshell as an Alternative for Plants3rd Year Vegetable Oil as an Biofuel4th Year Musical Tesla Coil : Manipulating Music
XXXIII
PHOTO GALLERY
INITIAL TESTING USING PLASMA BULB. This is a picture of the plasma emitted by the tesla coil at initial testing. This was done before the actual testing to make sure that the tesla coil is working.
SECONDARY TESTING. This is a picture of Jenson holding a fluorescent bulb that touches the coils and made the fluorescent light up. This only proves that in the coil, there is electricity running. It can also be noticed that the plasma bulb did not light up, this is because the electricity is used before it reaches the plasma bulb.
XXXIV
ASSEMBLY. This picture shows Jenson attaching the make shift transistor to the tesla coil.
ASSEMBLY. This picture shows Rolando, Jenson and Jozelle attaching the main parts of the tesla coil to the plywood. Mainly, the transformer, the coil and the wires.
XXXV
BURNT PLASMA BULB. This picture shows the burnt side of the plasma bulb after an attempt of increasing the voltage. The plasma bulb could not accommodate the high voltage thus it was burnt.
ATTACHING THE WIRES. This picture shows the wire being attached to the transformer.
XXXVI
COMPLETE. This picture shows the completely assembled tesla coil base.
PVC PIPE and COILS. This picture shows the top of the tesla coil without the plasma ball nor the top load. A masking tape was used to secure the end of the coil.
XXXVII
COIL WITH PLASMA BULB. This picture shows the plasma bulb.
TRANSFORMER. This picture shows the transformer used for the project. e tesla coil
