I made one of those... it worked... I'm very happy it worked... for anyone who hasn't got theirs to work keep on going... it's worth it. Now I'm moving on to bigger Tesla coil projects!
@@piotro1201 these will work BOJACK 10 Type Values 650Pcs Ceramic Capacitor Assortment Kit Capacitors from 0.1uf/100 nF to 10 uF in a Box Brand: BOJACK 4.6 out of 5 stars 89 ratings | 3 answered quest
I just finished building this Tesla coil and am very impressed with how well it works. My goal was to build as close to your plans as possible and with a couple of small differences my end result looks pretty close to yours. Due to a lack of materials I used wood instead of nylon for my spark gap and used the electronics from a Home Hardware branded zapper which claimed a 2750 volt output. I measured this to be an actual 2500 volts. The board was a bit too long so I trimmed both ends with side cutters and soldered my power leads to contacts that fit within the space available. The transistor on the board was of decent quality with a heat sink built in and even after running for 2 minutes it does not become hot to the touch. Upon checking its data sheet I discovered that it was good for 5 volts input so I added another AA cell for a total of 4.5 volts and the performance became much better. To mount the board I simply used some non-conducting putty and this allows me to quickly remove it for further experimentation. Thanks for the great video. It inspired me to build my first Tesla coil, and I am really happy that I did!
I just have to say...THANKS FOR SHOWING A SCHEMA.!!! One thing I learned over and over......when wrapping electrical tape, ALWAYS pull some off the roll "it will be stretched", Let it shrink back for a few seconds, then continue all windings similarly. If you don't do this, in an amount of months, you will find a messy "UN-stretching/winding" effect. GREAT VIDEO!! AGAIN
I dont have any questions, I just wanna say that you're a genuine legend for still actively answering questions even after almost 3 full years of this video being out. I love your videos, please continue to upload!
Thanks Kaba! This video tends to get so many identical questions that it is clear to me most people do not browse the comments section first. I’ve likely answered the secondary coil wire gauge question 50-70 times now. Lol. Just want the community to feel involved and included. Thanks! Jay
I MADE IT!! Very happy with this video :) I 3d printed the shell, and used with 6 3000V 2.2nF ceramic capacitors (3 in series and 2 in parallel) but since I was using ceramic ones, and also 0.3mm wire and crappy bug zapper racket it was a bit of a dissapointment, but I scraped the batteries and used USB to power it, since I saw that racket's tranzistor can take 6v on its datasheet, and now it's pretty much works same as Yours, thank You soo much.. I now have my own pocket tesla coil!!
I know this video has been out for years, but I just have to say thankyou! I have wanted a tesla coil for years. This video inspired me and I built my first tesla coil based on your design, with some modifications of my own. It is sweet!
I've watched this video a couple times before and I'm watching it again along with a few others for helping me with my limited knowledge of electrical work. One off topic thought is, who was on the receiving end of those knuckles? LOL. My hands have looked like that many times in the past.
I've looked at this many times since the original build, and it just popped up in my feed again, while reviewing a Tesla build, elsewhere. I have to say that it really is a work of art. I've watched hundreds of coil builds, by many dozens and dozens of builders, and DIY'ers, and nobody has ventured anywhere close to your finished builds. Several things set you apart from the others, but the beauty of your finished products is really something that should be appreciated.
Wow That’s amazing 😉 You know what I’m gonna make one of these and upload the video to my channel and use your video to make it Ove course I will say it was your idea. - Also I have a question, I’ve got a smashed plasma ball that dropped on the floor accidentally and i took it apart and found an ion generator inside. I wonder if that will work instead of the racket?
First, yes please give due credit. This was my design I wanted to share with you all. Glad you built along. The plasma glove is not run by an ion generator. Ion generators a DC. Plasma globes run off of AC. What you have is a flyback transformer. It will work with the Tesla coil but you will need to rectify the flyback with a HV diode. Also, that much power will shorten the Tesla coil’s lifespan.
I ended up building one of these for my brother’s science fair project and the thing is AWESOME. It works like a charm. Thank you very much for this fun and incredibly easy to follow design.
I saw a number of pn junction diodes at the output of your high voltage circuit. But, shouldn't the output be AC for the primary coils? Excellent video, by the way. Thanks!
So i get how this works (I think). I never looked at a Tesla coil, got my electronics degree 32 years ago, never used it. Schematic you showed made in click for me. Toy zapper output is a sine wave but not an AC sine wave, just a stepped up output of an oscillator circuit. Then current flows through there Tesla primary and diminishes as the capacitor bank (1/3 of individual capacitance, triple voltage rating) charges. As the capacitor bank charges, the voltage potential between the spark gap electrodes rises until the air can be energized to plasma allowing the capacitor bank (and possibly a building wave from the high voltage oscillator) to discharge through the spark gap. This causes current to reverse in the primary of the Tesla. So the Tesla output voltage is stepped up by whatever the ratio of windings minus loses, and this output is alternating current / voltage (very low current very high voltage). Brilliant.
Hey Jay, finished mine and it works great, dont see why some have problems! Its fairly clear. Im better at visual instruction rather than a schematic, for some reason they confuse me a bit, takes me longer to figure em out but as long as I have a good visual, like what you have posted here I can usually figure it out. Lots of screen shots and rewatching sections, my grandson is going to get a charge out of it. 36 years in aerospace, solder certified so Ive worked on many boards and I just love this shit. Thank you so much and I do plan on building your other projects, you're an awesome teacher.
SFB, thanks so much for dropping this comment. I love knowing that my videos are helping others. Really honored that you enjoyed my video. Are you subscribed?
I've been watching a lot of videos on Tesla coils and I love this DIY. however I've seen the 10 dollar "Tesla coil speaker". Would it be possible to take the audio jack from those and apply it to this coil design?
So I am in the final stages of building this and I have several questions: how did you find the primary to secondary turn ratio without using special tools? Also, how is ten turns of electrical tape not too much insulation? I keep hearing people say that your TC doesn’t work the way you described it and that you must have done something that you’re not telling people. Could you add some clarification please?
Also could you use a 9v battery in place of two double AAs? The new racket uses two C battery’s assuming for the extra current so I figure you could use the extra current from the EMF of a higher volt battery.
Glad to hear you are giving it a try. Hundreds of people have built my coil Successfully now, and a handful of children won their science fairs due to it. Every single person who did not succeed at getting the same results, did not build it exactly the same as the video. If you use the exact same as the video, you’ll get identical results. The ten turns of insulation will prevent arcing over between primary to secondary. You understand how power is transferred between the two, correct? It is transferred in minuscule amounts through electromagnetism. Also, you never need special tools to find the turns ratio. You can do loose calculations to get close, then experiment by adding and removing turns on the primary till you get the largest spark length. That is how this was designed. It’s how I’ve built all 10 of my Tesla coils, even my genesis coil. Best of luck
I made it .. I made it. It works. Haha. I feel like Dr Frankenstein now. "IT LIVES - IT LIVES" Only 1 issue - Plasma arcs are 1 cm long. With top load - arcs are 0.5cm long. But I'm happy. Works great with a 60w light bulb - nice long arcs inside bulb.
the length decreased probably cause u added the top load ...hmce the total capacitance of seconday increased and messed up the tuning..... for max length of arc primary capacitance*primary inductance must be equal to seconday capcitance*secondary inductance
@@Snow-tk9zv hi. I rewound the primary. With top load - 4 inch aluminium hollow sphere - I need 24 turns for resonance. Without top load I get Max Arc at 11 turns. In any situation. - the arcs are never more than a centimeter in length. For primary capacitance - is it only the capacitance of the MMC (capacitor bank) or do we also take into account the self capacitance of the primary coil. Also same qts for self capacitance of the secondary coil ?
Thanks for the video; I just finished mine and it works great. I recommend pre-wrapping your PVC with electrical tape, it helps keep the wire taut during temperature changes, (my first attempt unraveled when it got cold) keep it tight.
2 things: 1) To make putting holes in acrylic easier, I take a metal rod and heat it up them poke it through the acrylic, leaving a perfect hole with just a little ring of swarf on the back, easily removable with a knife. Works every time and no chance of cracking the acrylic!!! AND B) Too much COWBELL????? There is NO SUCH THING!!! Love the videos - I could get into some trouble with these, say, by making a tesla coil car protection circuit by attaching it to the steel car body!!! Bad idea as I would be the one that gets zapped by it the most, forgetting that I armed it!!! Great channel!!!
@@adityadusad1043 Ok good. I bought ceramic capacitors. Was just wondering because he used polypropylene capacitors in the video and I had no idea if ceramic would work as well. Good to know, thanks for the reply.
It can if you overload any of the parts, especially the power supply (the zapper racket). If you increase the input voltage or current too much you can easily break it depending on how high quality your power supply is.
Hi Jay, I built one of these after first watching this video it worked well. However, I decided to build a similar one using an 18KV taser unit the input voltage is 4.5 V (supposed to be 3.7 V lithium battery)(the guts of these are available from electronic surplus suppliers for about $8) to excite the primary windings (about 4 turns). I connected 30 polypropylene capacitors (2kV 22 nF) in series to make a 60kV 2.22 nF capacitor bank. I used lots of 'Goop' glue as insulation (just about encased all components in it. It is a 3 inch high coil like the bug zapper unit, but I had to wrap the entire coil in insulation tape to prevent it arcing from the top to the bottom over the windings. It now works great but I haven't yet optimized the spark gap. I teach science these days and thought a Tesla coil would make a good class. Thanks for a great youtube channel. Phil
Phil- you seem to be a bit of a Maker yourself. Nice work! I’d love to see your final build- feel free to email an image to my email (under the ‘about’ tab for my channel)
Rare moment of clear explanation on youtube -- clear light - clear and nice grey wall -- clean table, and all that, done by a sympathetic Hollywood actor !
@@PlasmaChannel Stranded will not work? I have a spool of 18 awg. Stranded I was going to use for the primary! Is there a difference in the magnetic field the primary puts out if its solid as opposed to stranded?
Just finished building this AWESOME Tesla coil and it works great. But be warned, the capacitors hold a charge for quite a while, found out the hard way picking it up from the bottom. The solder joints should be covered with some hot glue or something.
I hope your channel becomes much larger. You kept on point, didnt have a bunch of extra info that might confuse some, And spoke clearly. Im on my way to the Hardware store now... My kids will love this. Thank You and Great Video. Subscribed 👍👍
Hey😄 I managed to make one Tesla coil and it works great🤯.the best part of it is it works great on 9v without breaking and it powerful ⚡. Thank you JAY 🎊because of your video I made my 1st 🎉Tesla coil 🎉
Thanks! That was the plan! I designed this years ago but didn’t want to share it out of fear that someone would just steal the idea as their own. Eventually I went ‘this thing is fun, I have to show people’
Just built it ... Works Great! So surprised how straight forward it was. Good job on describing the assembly. Only things missing in the video: 1) Hardware size (english or metric); 2) Winding direction (or does it not matter?).
Lack of current. Voltage is necessary to break the surface of your skin but current is what would generally kill you. I couldnt do the maths personally but I welcome anyone else to calculate or estimate the current flowing out the end of the secondary / torus.
Also keep in mind there is no direct connections from the lethal primary side to the secondary coil they are loosely coupled meaning anything measured on the secondary is induced and the moment a load (ie : your finger) touch it the current drops to near 0 ..
@@CG0077 *wrong* its the high frequency's that cause tesla coils to not affect our nervous system. the way people die of high voltage is losing control of their limbs and specifically heart. otherwise high frequency leaves burn marks on the skin. this coil here if running below 20khz is capable of shocking but considering how he is touching it, it is likely not.
A couple questions: 1. What does the counterpoise do? 2. What would happen if you used a voltage multiplier instead of a bug zapper circuit? 3. What would happen if you built several identical ones and connected the outputs? I used to build Tesla coils in 8th grade, but since then I've forgotten most of what I knew... I really want to get back into it though.
The counterpoise acts as the ground, they are usually used instead of direct to earth ground for portability and for those who don’t have easy access to the outside soil.
That is correct, G. Counterpoises are an excellent exception to needing a good ground connection (they mostly only work with AC). A voltage multiplier would work too. Also, connecting tesla coils in series doesnt do much unless they are perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY synchronized. Thats very hard to do. IF someone could do this....the voltage would just be added up, like AA batteries in series.
I think you builds would be better if you also showed the soldering steps. Especially your modifications to the circuit board on the bug zapper. Where did you get the high voltage leads from? Would using the same type of wire as the primary coil work for this purpose?
Doing so will stress out your powersource. You can make the gap wider. You’ll create larger sparks out too. But this will reduce lifespan. And, too wide, the gap won’t fire.
Couldn't find a bug zapper here so am getting a high voltage transformer from 3.6V to 20kV , i know the capacity bank should change to be bigger than the output what else should i change?
If you dont care about resonance then nothing else, how do you plan to transform 3.6 to 20kv though? By the way, a few tips from experience, do not do what jay did with the primary, get a bigger pvc pipe and let at least one or two centimeter of air between them, otherwise corona will make you lose voltage between primary and secondary. Also, remember that primary has to be winded in the opposite direction than the secondary. And try connecting one end of the secondary instead of to ground, to the primary. In my experience all this have made me have much better results, with a bug zapper i got around 1cm arcs to air, without putting anything near it and with only aroun 130 turns of secondary, which is way better than jay's with much less turns.
@@ElPsyCongroo. 3.6 to 20k Using a dc high voltage transformer, like in this short, My only concern with it is this transformer outputs a dc current, must i use an AC? th-cam.com/users/shortswowBNJ-DdGk?si=0_-E_zCt-PR5RRmS
Hey Jay, I’m attempting to build the Tesla coil and I’ve purchased all of the parts accept the capacitors. The link you have posted in the description is out of order and I could not find any other sources that would take a reasonable amount of time to deliver. Are there any other capacitor values that would work similarly.
It would create an implosion SOOO BIG that it would set back mankind back for hundreds of years. We would be living back in the primal days of our existence and go back to our animalistic behaviour. *It would be a catastrophe.* 😓😨
@@滷肉飯-z3f No worries. I hope I've been clear that by power source I don't mean the batteries, I mean the transformer. So for the 3 kV transformer used in the video, you'd want a cap rated for something like 3200 V.
What is the gauge for your primary coil wire / length of the wire? Also, what are you using for the high voltage leads in your board setup? -Thanks, a biologist trying to figure out electrical engineering
Hi Ryan. Since the high voltage on the entire primary circuit is so low (only a couple thousand volts, literally any wire will work. As long as the wire is covered with some kind of insulation. Cheers!
While this circuit is much safer then one made from a mot or nst the primary side where your capacitor bank is should not be touched if you where to touch even with the circuit off it would not at all be pleasant if you wanna make it safer when turned off add a bleed resistor in parallel with your capacitor bank
I think that is fairly obvious, as I circled the part in question, and the title is 3 volt Tesla coil 😉 Would be one heck of an electroboom video though.
I built one. I enjoy it, my kids love it! Have to build a couple more for other people with zero knowledge of how to build, glad I have extra parts! And thank you Jay for your help. My issue was the cheaper zapper racket, once I got the Stinger it worked perfectly! I am curious however about what diode you removed..... I haven't removed any, and it works great!
@@PlasmaChannel I am in the process of trying one of those ebay transformers in place of the zapper board (and possibly capacitors as well). i will let you know in the next couple days if i fried myself hahahaha
@Plasma Channel Dear Plasma Channel. I am a teenager. I have wanted to buiild Tesla Coil a long time now. Because I need a project for my school. I have been searching around the internet but everything I have found is a piece of crap. Then I found your channel. I searched for DIY Tesla Coil video on your channel. I was amazed! I wanted to build exactly this thing because a) It was easy to make b)It looks really nice(everything other on youtube looked like my grades(bad)) c) It would impress my friends and teachers. This project contains 1/4 of my year grade. So.. I was ready to buy everything you have linked in your description but the main thing(capacitors) were out of stock. I tryed to find something similar to this, but I found NOTHING. Could you/anyone please give me a a new link for the capacitor that would work and not be out of stock. Thanks!!! Sorry for bad English:(
Hi Renno, i'm honored you enjoyed my video! Check out www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic/ECW-HC3F392J?qs=5PZ87NsE%252BJ9TmqQoAlFWcQ%3D%3D for buying the capacitors. Cheers!
I built it and it works! Check it out th-cam.com/video/xupR4WJTAWw/w-d-xo.html I used one of those free fly swatters from Harbor Freight. Instead of gluing the top load to the secondary and the secondary to the base, I used tiny screws. I couldn't find the right type of cutting board at the store, so I cut 1/2" off one my wife had (shhh don't tell her). Thanks Jay, great design!
I checked it out - you did a stellar job Nigel. Thanks for supporting my channel, and being a cool cat. By the way - you wont want to miss next friday's episode. Its the most "visual" video i've ever shot.
All for trash to gold (for me) Broken-Bugzapper-from-trash Capacitor-from-old-tv Coil-from-broken-transformer (All is done) And my one works better then your tesla coil 😁
Thanks for the tutorial Jay. Just a couple of questions from a complete beginner: I looked up what a counterpoise was but still don't understand it very well. How does the aluminum tape on your build work as a substitute for ground? Would the same thing be possible with a larger coil? And since the bug zapper's transformer produces 3,000 volts, how is the output of this coil, with the same transformer, still 3 volts and not 3,000?
Hey plasma channel! Big fan I had a question and wanted to know if I can use 37 gauge wire instead of 32 gauge. I have a huge spool of this but couldn't find 32 gauge one... Please reply fast... Thank you
Yes, absolutely. However, you would need to either use a shorter secondary to make sure the length of secondary wire is the same as in this video, or, you would need a larger primary capacitor. Using thinner wire means more turns, thus lower resonant frequency. To match that lower frequecny, the primary cap needs to be bigger to low the primary frequency as well.
I can't find the capacitor you used but I used the capacitor which is already with racket (22K) but it is not working WILL YOU TELL ME WHAT CHANGES I HAVE TO DO WITH OTHER THINGS TO MAKE THEM WORKING ON THAT CAPACITOR what is your wire thickness
I made one of those... it worked... I'm very happy it worked... for anyone who hasn't got theirs to work keep on going... it's worth it. Now I'm moving on to bigger Tesla coil projects!
Hi Tucker, i'm glad that you've gotten the coil to work!
@@PlasmaChannel will this work with a 9v battery?
What copasitors do I shearch on Amazon
Mine doesn’t work do you know what could of happened
@@piotro1201 these will work
BOJACK 10 Type Values 650Pcs Ceramic Capacitor Assortment Kit Capacitors from 0.1uf/100 nF to 10 uF in a Box
Brand: BOJACK
4.6 out of 5 stars 89 ratings | 3 answered quest
I just finished building this Tesla coil and am very impressed with how well it works. My goal was to build as close to your plans as possible and with a couple of small differences my end result looks pretty close to yours. Due to a lack of materials I used wood instead of nylon for my spark gap and used the electronics from a Home Hardware branded zapper which claimed a 2750 volt output. I measured this to be an actual 2500 volts. The board was a bit too long so I trimmed both ends with side cutters and soldered my power leads to contacts that fit within the space available. The transistor on the board was of decent quality with a heat sink built in and even after running for 2 minutes it does not become hot to the touch. Upon checking its data sheet I discovered that it was good for 5 volts input so I added another AA cell for a total of 4.5 volts and the performance became much better. To mount the board I simply used some non-conducting putty and this allows me to quickly remove it for further experimentation.
Thanks for the great video. It inspired me to build my first Tesla coil, and I am really happy that I did!
The joy I felt when I got it to work is unparalleled. Thank you!
Hey, congrats! Thanks for enjoying my content.
Plasma Channel is one of the most underrated channels , your videos are very clear and easy to follow through
Thank you, I appreciate that. You can help, by sharing any of the videos you find fascinating on social media
I just have to say...THANKS FOR SHOWING A SCHEMA.!!!
One thing I learned over and over......when wrapping electrical tape, ALWAYS pull some off the roll "it will be stretched", Let it shrink back for a few seconds, then continue all windings similarly. If you don't do this, in an amount of months, you will find a messy "UN-stretching/winding" effect.
GREAT VIDEO!! AGAIN
I dont have any questions, I just wanna say that you're a genuine legend for still actively answering questions even after almost 3 full years of this video being out. I love your videos, please continue to upload!
Thanks Kaba! This video tends to get so many identical questions that it is clear to me most people do not browse the comments section first. I’ve likely answered the secondary coil wire gauge question 50-70 times now. Lol.
Just want the community to feel involved and included.
Thanks!
Jay
That´s a cute little coil you have there! Love it
+Ludic Science we thank you! I've built five of them now. Love making them!
five! you (not us) could make some dirty cash from all that!
wow man thanks! u r so underrated
Thank you for such kind words
I MADE IT!! Very happy with this video :) I 3d printed the shell, and used with 6 3000V 2.2nF ceramic capacitors (3 in series and 2 in parallel) but since I was using ceramic ones, and also 0.3mm wire and crappy bug zapper racket it was a bit of a dissapointment, but I scraped the batteries and used USB to power it, since I saw that racket's tranzistor can take 6v on its datasheet, and now it's pretty much works same as Yours, thank You soo much.. I now have my own pocket tesla coil!!
Hey man please help me out I have probs
I know this video has been out for years, but I just have to say thankyou! I have wanted a tesla coil for years. This video inspired me and I built my first tesla coil based on your design, with some modifications of my own. It is sweet!
Nice job! :)
+Keystone Science thank you nate! I appreciate your fellow enthusiasm! I have loved your episodes.
Keystone Science is here?! I am a subscriber to Keystone Science and for Plasma Channel. Both of these channels are awesome! :)
Sir make a plasma ball by 8 pin flyback Transformer 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@PlasmaChannel Hey Bro, Nice Video! I Only Have One Question, Can I Buy A Coil Somewhere On The Web? I'm To Lazy To Make One My Self.
How are you not verified yet!
I've watched this video a couple times before and I'm watching it again along with a few others for helping me with my limited knowledge of electrical work. One off topic thought is, who was on the receiving end of those knuckles? LOL. My hands have looked like that many times in the past.
iam curious as well
I've looked at this many times since the original build, and it just popped up in my feed again, while reviewing a Tesla build, elsewhere. I have to say that it really is a work of art. I've watched hundreds of coil builds, by many dozens and dozens of builders, and DIY'ers, and nobody has ventured anywhere close to your finished builds. Several things set you apart from the others, but the beauty of your finished products is really something that should be appreciated.
Thanks Chris. I’m a maker through and through. I think that beauty matters as much as function.
Love the switching between inches and millimeters XD
Plumbing, carpentry, confectionary, and aviation all use imperial and metric measurements - get used to it!
video is 3 years old and you still reply to the comments, good job Jay :)
Love ur pfp
Nice! I made using the bugzapper too when I was younger ....it flickered the TV's in my house and then my dad said I can't do it there anymore XD
I didn't use a capacitor bank though.....
Yeah, tesla coils will do that. nice work.
Wow That’s amazing 😉
You know what I’m gonna make one of these and upload the video to my channel and use your video to make it Ove course I will say it was your idea.
- Also I have a question, I’ve got a smashed plasma ball that dropped on the floor accidentally and i took it apart and found an ion generator inside. I wonder if that will work instead of the racket?
First, yes please give due credit. This was my design I wanted to share with you all. Glad you built along. The plasma glove is not run by an ion generator. Ion generators a DC. Plasma globes run off of AC. What you have is a flyback transformer. It will work with the Tesla coil but you will need to rectify the flyback with a HV diode. Also, that much power will shorten the Tesla coil’s lifespan.
I made one too th-cam.com/channels/u_z-UUKth1Jqwb0ZmzmXYw.html subscribe
Nice love from INDIA 🇮🇳🇮🇳
Greetings from Seattle, USA
@@PlasmaChannel 😀
Still replying to comments on a very old video, good job, Jay, we need more people like you in this community
Thanks Andre. I think comments are the best part of youtube. If someone takes the time to write a comment- I better take the time to appreciate it.
I ended up building one of these for my brother’s science fair project and the thing is AWESOME. It works like a charm. Thank you very much for this fun and incredibly easy to follow design.
Thank you for taking the leap into high voltage! I’m glad you enjoyed the project, and glad you commented.
I saw a number of pn junction diodes at the output of your high voltage circuit. But, shouldn't the output be AC for the primary coils?
Excellent video, by the way. Thanks!
Man you work so neat and clean. Mine projects always end up messy.
That's because he is skilled and probably has done this before just keep at it👍
Wow Such A Nice Channel Man. You Deserve At least 2 million subscribers... Woww Thanks Your Video 😃
Thanks! 😃
So i get how this works (I think). I never looked at a Tesla coil, got my electronics degree 32 years ago, never used it. Schematic you showed made in click for me. Toy zapper output is a sine wave but not an AC sine wave, just a stepped up output of an oscillator circuit. Then current flows through there Tesla primary and diminishes as the capacitor bank (1/3 of individual capacitance, triple voltage rating) charges. As the capacitor bank charges, the voltage potential between the spark gap electrodes rises until the air can be energized to plasma allowing the capacitor bank (and possibly a building wave from the high voltage oscillator) to discharge through the spark gap. This causes current to reverse in the primary of the Tesla. So the Tesla output voltage is stepped up by whatever the ratio of windings minus loses, and this output is alternating current / voltage (very low current very high voltage). Brilliant.
Wow, thanks for the additional explanation of the Tesla Coil. My knowledge of this technology is growing!
Hey Jay, finished mine and it works great, dont see why some have problems! Its fairly clear. Im better at visual instruction rather than a schematic, for some reason they confuse me a bit, takes me longer to figure em out but as long as I have a good visual, like what you have posted here I can usually figure it out. Lots of screen shots and rewatching sections, my grandson is going to get a charge out of it. 36 years in aerospace, solder certified so Ive worked on many boards and I just love this shit. Thank you so much and I do plan on building your other projects, you're an awesome teacher.
SFB, thanks so much for dropping this comment. I love knowing that my videos are helping others. Really honored that you enjoyed my video. Are you subscribed?
@@PlasmaChannel Yes I am
I've been watching a lot of videos on Tesla coils and I love this DIY. however I've seen the 10 dollar "Tesla coil speaker". Would it be possible to take the audio jack from those and apply it to this coil design?
So I am in the final stages of building this and I have several questions: how did you find the primary to secondary turn ratio without using special tools? Also, how is ten turns of electrical tape not too much insulation? I keep hearing people say that your TC doesn’t work the way you described it and that you must have done something that you’re not telling people. Could you add some clarification please?
Also could you use a 9v battery in place of two double AAs? The new racket uses two C battery’s assuming for the extra current so I figure you could use the extra current from the EMF of a higher volt battery.
Glad to hear you are giving it a try. Hundreds of people have built my coil
Successfully now, and a handful of children won their science fairs due to it. Every single person who did not succeed at getting the same results, did not build it exactly the same as the video. If you use the exact same as the video, you’ll get identical results.
The ten turns of insulation will prevent arcing over between primary to secondary. You understand how power is transferred between the two, correct? It is transferred in minuscule amounts through electromagnetism.
Also, you never need special tools to find the turns ratio. You can do loose calculations to get close, then experiment by adding and removing turns on the primary till you get the largest spark length. That is how this was designed. It’s how I’ve built all 10 of my Tesla coils, even my genesis coil.
Best of luck
Per the 9v, it would not give you higher voltage out. It would only give you a higher break rate.
Best to stay with 3 volts, 5 at most.
10 coils!? You better be doing a video on them.
I made it .. I made it.
It works.
Haha. I feel like Dr Frankenstein now.
"IT LIVES - IT LIVES"
Only 1 issue - Plasma arcs are 1 cm long.
With top load - arcs are 0.5cm long.
But I'm happy. Works great with a 60w light bulb - nice long arcs inside bulb.
NICE!!!
the length decreased probably cause u added the top load ...hmce the total capacitance of seconday increased and messed up the tuning.....
for max length of arc
primary capacitance*primary inductance must be equal to seconday capcitance*secondary inductance
@@Snow-tk9zv hi.
I rewound the primary.
With top load - 4 inch aluminium hollow sphere - I need 24 turns for resonance.
Without top load I get Max Arc at 11 turns.
In any situation. - the arcs are never more than a centimeter in length.
For primary capacitance - is it only the capacitance of the MMC (capacitor bank) or do we also take into account the self capacitance of the primary coil.
Also same qts for self capacitance of the secondary coil ?
Congrats! Such a cool feeling right?
@@PlasmaChannel awesome feeling..
Sent a video to mother, she was amazed that I made something she had never heard of.
Thank you.
Thanks for the video; I just finished mine and it works great.
I recommend pre-wrapping your PVC with electrical tape, it helps keep the wire taut during temperature changes, (my first attempt unraveled when it got cold) keep it tight.
Could you please send me a circuit diagram ? I can’t find it anywhere
2 things: 1) To make putting holes in acrylic easier, I take a metal rod and heat it up them poke it through the acrylic, leaving a perfect hole with just a little ring of swarf on the back, easily removable with a knife. Works every time and no chance of cracking the acrylic!!!
AND
B) Too much COWBELL????? There is NO SUCH THING!!!
Love the videos - I could get into some trouble with these, say, by making a tesla coil car protection circuit by attaching it to the steel car body!!! Bad idea as I would be the one that gets zapped by it the most, forgetting that I armed it!!!
Great channel!!!
This video about the tesla coil was very helpful . I made one with different hv source and different capacitors and it works like a charm.
Which capacitors did you use?
@@-DankPanda- I used two 2k ceramic capacitors in series.
@@adityadusad1043 Ok good. I bought ceramic capacitors. Was just wondering because he used polypropylene capacitors in the video and I had no idea if ceramic would work as well. Good to know, thanks for the reply.
@@-DankPanda- polypropylene capacitors works better but ceramic capacitors can also work
For the prollypropane copasitors are they all the same or do I need to buy a Specific Kind
Does a Tesla coil ever stop working other than when you shut it off?
It can if you overload any of the parts, especially the power supply (the zapper racket). If you increase the input voltage or current too much you can easily break it depending on how high quality your power supply is.
Will a flurocent bulb glow if it would be bought close to the knob.
INDIAN Arts 3 it should if the type is right
The video directly after this shows 3 experiements you can do using the coil. One is lighting a tube.
Thanks to those who cleared my doubt
Hi Jay, I built one of these after first watching this video it worked well. However, I decided to build a similar one using an 18KV taser unit the input voltage is 4.5 V (supposed to be 3.7 V lithium battery)(the guts of these are available from electronic surplus suppliers for about $8) to excite the primary windings (about 4 turns). I connected 30 polypropylene capacitors (2kV 22 nF) in series to make a 60kV 2.22 nF capacitor bank. I used lots of 'Goop' glue as insulation (just about encased all components in it. It is a 3 inch high coil like the bug zapper unit, but I had to wrap the entire coil in insulation tape to prevent it arcing from the top to the bottom over the windings. It now works great but I haven't yet optimized the spark gap. I teach science these days and thought a Tesla coil would make a good class. Thanks for a great youtube channel. Phil
Phil- you seem to be a bit of a Maker yourself. Nice work! I’d love to see your final build- feel free to email an image to my email (under the ‘about’ tab for my channel)
Rare moment of clear explanation on youtube -- clear light - clear and nice grey wall -- clean table, and all that, done by a sympathetic Hollywood actor !
Haha, thank you
This is the best vídeo teaching How to build a tesla coil, i have one question what is the type of the primary coil wire and what is the thickness ?
Thank you! Primary you want solid, 16 gauge
@@PlasmaChannel Stranded will not work? I have a spool of 18 awg. Stranded I was going to use for the primary! Is there a difference in the magnetic field the primary puts out if its solid as opposed to stranded?
Where did you connect the other terminal of secondary coil (the earth)?
Thanks for this nice video by the way.
It is connected to the counterpoise. Thanks for watching.
should it be metal drawer knob?
if you are talking about the material of the drawer knob then yes it needs to be metal
Yes.
Just finished building this AWESOME Tesla coil and it works great. But be warned, the capacitors hold a charge for quite a while, found out the hard way picking it up from the bottom. The solder joints should be covered with some hot glue or something.
The shock can definitely be surprising. Luckily the power level is so low, no risk to your health is present.
I hope your channel becomes much larger. You kept on point, didnt have a bunch of extra info that might confuse some, And spoke clearly. Im on my way to the Hardware store now... My kids will love this. Thank You and Great Video. Subscribed 👍👍
Like si venís de parte de un poco de todo
Jajaj
solo vine para ver si explotaba algo
love your videos you remind me soo much of grants earlier videos before he focused on more child centered stuff
Thank you so much. Grant? Grant Thompson?
@@PlasmaChannel yeah
Mom: so tell me again why you need all this stuff
Me: I'll keep it a surprise so I can shock you
Love the pun
Hey😄 I managed to make one Tesla coil and it works great🤯.the best part of it is it works great on 9v without breaking and it powerful ⚡.
Thank you JAY 🎊because of your video I made my 1st 🎉Tesla coil 🎉
Hello Pratik, I am honored you built your first Tesla coil because of me. Be safe- have fun.
@@PlasmaChannel cheers 😎
@@PlasmaChannel it cost me less than a dollar
You are great. Best mini coil on TH-cam!
Thanks! That was the plan! I designed this years ago but didn’t want to share it out of fear that someone would just steal the idea as their own. Eventually I went ‘this thing is fun, I have to show people’
Great explanation
Dude goes hard. Look at his knuckles.
Had everything except my cool kid glasses
Just built it ... Works Great! So surprised how straight forward it was. Good job on describing the assembly. Only things missing in the video: 1) Hardware size (english or metric); 2) Winding direction (or does it not matter?).
What wire did you use for the primary coil I’m stuck on that
is the temperature enough to kindle paper or something ?
@@徐意-v3zNot enough
Here after DiodeGoneWild's new video to check if you put the spark gap in the right place and you did! Awesome
Cool, thanks! Yes, always place the spark gap directly parallel to the power source.
TH-cam algorithm is insane... Thousands of people getting this in their recommended 1.3 years later
For youtube, a 1 year old video actually isnt too old. Its still considered relatively new. But yes, crazy!
@@PlasmaChannel I know it isnt old its just it poped into thousands of people feed at once is what amazes me
What makes the coils you made not kill you when you touch it. Even the 15kv one?
Lack of current. Voltage is necessary to break the surface of your skin but current is what would generally kill you. I couldnt do the maths personally but I welcome anyone else to calculate or estimate the current flowing out the end of the secondary / torus.
@@CG0077 its also very high frequency
Correct ..the skin effect (the higher the frequency = less current penetrates The conductor)
Also keep in mind there is no direct connections from the lethal primary side to the secondary coil they are loosely coupled meaning anything measured on the secondary is induced and the moment a load (ie : your finger) touch it the current drops to near 0 ..
@@CG0077 *wrong* its the high frequency's that cause tesla coils to not affect our nervous system. the way people die of high voltage is losing control of their limbs and specifically heart. otherwise high frequency leaves burn marks on the skin. this coil here if running below 20khz is capable of shocking but considering how he is touching it, it is likely not.
Hello Jay, I Haven’t been able to find any 3.9 bf 3 kv capacitors online, have any sources?
See the Mouser link above for the 3KV 3.9nF film caps
A couple questions:
1. What does the counterpoise do?
2. What would happen if you used a voltage multiplier instead of a bug zapper circuit?
3. What would happen if you built several identical ones and connected the outputs?
I used to build Tesla coils in 8th grade, but since then I've forgotten most of what I knew... I really want to get back into it though.
The counterpoise acts as the ground, they are usually used instead of direct to earth ground for portability and for those who don’t have easy access to the outside soil.
@@user-mh2bw4hu3o Ah, ok. Thanks
That is correct, G. Counterpoises are an excellent exception to needing a good ground connection (they mostly only work with AC). A voltage multiplier would work too. Also, connecting tesla coils in series doesnt do much unless they are perfectly, and I mean PERFECTLY synchronized. Thats very hard to do. IF someone could do this....the voltage would just be added up, like AA batteries in series.
@@PlasmaChannel Nice! Thanks :)
I think you builds would be better if you also showed the soldering steps. Especially your modifications to the circuit board on the bug zapper. Where did you get the high voltage leads from? Would using the same type of wire as the primary coil work for this purpose?
I know this is an old video, but how different would this be if using two 9v batteries as the power source?
Do u know why he used a batterie at the end bro I don’t understand? Do I need a batterie to make it work
yeah you need some kind of source of electricity, he just used two batteries wired together because that’s probably the easiest way to do it.
What happens if the spark gap is bigger than 1 millimeter?
Doing so will stress out your powersource. You can make the gap wider. You’ll create larger sparks out too. But this will reduce lifespan. And, too wide, the gap won’t fire.
I have that racket laying around. And a 3 volt g shock. lol. woo
I made one of these exactly like you instructed. It turned out great. I use a 18650 battery for my power source. Thanks.
I'm very happy to hear!
So you're feeding it 3.7v?
@@BenitoFan760 yeah
I got mine working! This is awesome keep up this content!!
Hey man does a coil ever stop working other than when you shut it off?
3:21 it is very important to pull out
Couldn't find a bug zapper here so am getting a high voltage transformer from 3.6V to 20kV , i know the capacity bank should change to be bigger than the output what else should i change?
If you dont care about resonance then nothing else, how do you plan to transform 3.6 to 20kv though?
By the way, a few tips from experience, do not do what jay did with the primary, get a bigger pvc pipe and let at least one or two centimeter of air between them, otherwise corona will make you lose voltage between primary and secondary. Also, remember that primary has to be winded in the opposite direction than the secondary. And try connecting one end of the secondary instead of to ground, to the primary. In my experience all this have made me have much better results, with a bug zapper i got around 1cm arcs to air, without putting anything near it and with only aroun 130 turns of secondary, which is way better than jay's with much less turns.
@@ElPsyCongroo. 3.6 to 20k Using a dc high voltage transformer, like in this short,
My only concern with it is this transformer outputs a dc current, must i use an AC?
th-cam.com/users/shortswowBNJ-DdGk?si=0_-E_zCt-PR5RRmS
u need ac im pretty sure or mabye use diodes@@rando4862
Damaged knucles, is he street fighter?
street fighting your mom
poop
I enjoy bare knuckle martial arts. Tends to destroy my knuckles.
Hey Jay, I’m attempting to build the Tesla coil and I’ve purchased all of the parts accept the capacitors. The link you have posted in the description is out of order and I could not find any other sources that would take a reasonable amount of time to deliver. Are there any other capacitor values that would work similarly.
Hey jay I finally finished mine and it works awesome thank you so much!
Wonderful, congrats! Just don’t run it too long- that little transistor easily breaks if it gets hot.
what happens if you use a 9v battery?
It would create an implosion SOOO BIG that it would set back mankind back for hundreds of years. We would be living back in the primal days of our existence and go back to our animalistic behaviour. *It would be a catastrophe.*
😓😨
@@flemishtemplar3766 oh no, ill not be doing that then
Flemish is correct. CIA would be on your tail like you were a UFO.
Naw, a 9 volt would burn out the circuit board.
Can I use 3.9NF 1250V capactior?
Depending on your power source. You'd want the voltage rating on the caps to be a couple hundred above what your power source gives out.
@@darth_dan8886 Thanks
@@滷肉飯-z3f No worries. I hope I've been clear that by power source I don't mean the batteries, I mean the transformer. So for the 3 kV transformer used in the video, you'd want a cap rated for something like 3200 V.
@@darth_dan8886 Thanks for elaborated explanation.
@@darth_dan8886 hey which capacitors did he use serial number plzz
Can we use other capacitors also...like capacitors of other voltage...
You want them bigger for higher voltage?
@@fernandoproman yes
@@fernandoproman can I use 5(five) 6.8nf 2kv capacitor for 10000v instead of 3(three) 3kv 3.9nf capacitors ?
@@siddharthsahu5585 i guess yess
What is the gauge for your primary coil wire / length of the wire? Also, what are you using for the high voltage leads in your board setup? -Thanks, a biologist trying to figure out electrical engineering
Hi Ryan. Since the high voltage on the entire primary circuit is so low (only a couple thousand volts, literally any wire will work. As long as the wire is covered with some kind of insulation. Cheers!
@@PlasmaChannel Thanks man! And thank you for inspiring others to do science.
@@PlasmaChannel Are you sure? I've seen a lot of insulation rated for 600V, not 2000. Feels risky to assume any wire would handle 2kv.
This guy reply on 3 years video I hope this man got more subscriber!
Man, has it really been three years? Crazy how time flies
@@PlasmaChannel time do fly when you're doing something you enjoy :)
@@PlasmaChannel Time flies like and arrow, fruit flies like a banana
While this circuit is much safer then one made from a mot or nst the primary side where your capacitor bank is should not be touched if you where to touch even with the circuit off it would not at all be pleasant if you wanna make it safer when turned off add a bleed resistor in parallel with your capacitor bank
hey bro have some problem about the wiring could u help me with it?
8:33 yikes!! DO NOT hook this up to AC Mains as shown in the circuit diagram! Holy heck... well, unless you want some electroBOOM style fireworks 🎆
I think that is fairly obvious, as I circled the part in question, and the title is 3 volt Tesla coil 😉
Would be one heck of an electroboom video though.
I built one. I enjoy it, my kids love it! Have to build a couple more for other people with zero knowledge of how to build, glad I have extra parts!
And thank you Jay for your help. My issue was the cheaper zapper racket, once I got the Stinger it worked perfectly! I am curious however about what diode you removed..... I haven't removed any, and it works great!
Great to hear! Super happy hearing that it worked well, and that you're sharing the passion with others
@@PlasmaChannel I am in the process of trying one of those ebay transformers in place of the zapper board (and possibly capacitors as well). i will let you know in the next couple days if i fried myself hahahaha
@@PlasmaChannel kids want to take it for show and tell. I will make sure to send them with a link to the plasma channel!!!!
What is the purpose of putting the spark gap? And, how does it help? I am confused a bit.
It acts like a switch, when the capacitor is fully charged it releases all of its power to the coil through spark gap
Gotta love the busted knuckles. When Plasma Chad isn't fucking around with kilo volts, he's fucking up those foolish enough to stand in his way. LOL.
@Plasma Channel Dear Plasma Channel. I am a teenager. I have wanted to buiild Tesla Coil a long time now. Because I need a project for my school. I have been searching around the internet but everything I have found is a piece of crap. Then I found your channel. I searched for DIY Tesla Coil video on your channel. I was amazed! I wanted to build exactly this thing because a) It was easy to make b)It looks really nice(everything other on youtube looked like my grades(bad)) c) It would impress my friends and teachers. This project contains 1/4 of my year grade. So.. I was ready to buy everything you have linked in your description but the main thing(capacitors) were out of stock. I tryed to find something similar to this, but I found NOTHING. Could you/anyone please give me a a new link for the capacitor that would work and not be out of stock. Thanks!!! Sorry for bad English:(
Hi Renno, i'm honored you enjoyed my video! Check out www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic/ECW-HC3F392J?qs=5PZ87NsE%252BJ9TmqQoAlFWcQ%3D%3D for buying the capacitors. Cheers!
@@PlasmaChannel Thx
@@PlasmaChannel It costs me 20 to ship to my country. Is something similar on amazon?
I searched amazon. I couldn’t find anything. Try digi-key (copy and paste the part ID into the search bar in digi-key’s website.
@@ProteinFromTheSea Hi so I searched and found but it says its 3900pF... Will it work? And is the TC working on AC or DC?
tyler durden shows a how to video
freakin acurate af 😂
do you require a bug zapper or can i use a similar circuit
Once again thank you .The tesla coil really works!!! I have also made some modifications to it.
You are so very welcome! thanks for watching. Share with those who may enjoy it as well.
People with small coils usually drive german cars
That’s a classic
Plasma Channel Size of the coil doesn't matter, it is how you are using it
I built it and it works! Check it out th-cam.com/video/xupR4WJTAWw/w-d-xo.html I used one of those free fly swatters from Harbor Freight. Instead of gluing the top load to the secondary and the secondary to the base, I used tiny screws. I couldn't find the right type of cutting board at the store, so I cut 1/2" off one my wife had (shhh don't tell her). Thanks Jay, great design!
I checked it out - you did a stellar job Nigel. Thanks for supporting my channel, and being a cool cat. By the way - you wont want to miss next friday's episode. Its the most "visual" video i've ever shot.
Looking forward to more of your high quality content 😎
@@nigel-matthews its awesome
Can I use a microwave transformer XD
Sure. But you'll then melt every component in the entire coil
@@PlasmaChannel I'll hook it up to my nearest power station.
most useful clip ever, thank!
Great build thanks for sharing! What gauge of wire did you use for the primary? Was it stranded or solid core? Does it matter? Thanks
Pull out 6 inches.....that's what the comment readers mom said to me last night 😲
She died, joke's on you.
All for trash to gold (for me)
Broken-Bugzapper-from-trash
Capacitor-from-old-tv
Coil-from-broken-transformer
(All is done)
And my one works better then your tesla coil 😁
Let's see it, then.
I wanna get bigger arcs too.
That's how life works
Haha. but, does it look better? Performance means nothing if there are wires everywhere, glue, and it's bulky and big.
This guy likes his face to much😂
No, I like your face. That's why I stare at it through the lens so much.....
By your comment I'm guessing *you* like his face too much.
Your delivery is entertaining and slightly over the top, so I subscribed. lol
Haha good having you!
How do you round the coils so neatly?
is pretty easy if you try
I bought instruction from Avasva and I build it very very cheap.
There are instructions for my coil?
No en tendí ni madres
The science, or, the build?
Dude u look like a really nice guy and in my opinion u deserve a lot more subs..
Thanks for the tutorial Jay. Just a couple of questions from a complete beginner: I looked up what a counterpoise was but still don't understand it very well. How does the aluminum tape on your build work as a substitute for ground? Would the same thing be possible with a larger coil?
And since the bug zapper's transformer produces 3,000 volts, how is the output of this coil, with the same transformer, still 3 volts and not 3,000?
Wow! I like hoW you present it easy fast and clear. I want to do the Tesla coil like this one too
Hey plasma channel! Big fan
I had a question and wanted to know if I can use 37 gauge wire instead of 32 gauge. I have a huge spool of this but couldn't find 32 gauge one... Please reply fast... Thank you
Yes you can but gotta adjust the turns on the secondary coil
But it would be difficult to wind it around the pipe because it is too thin.
@@xen26119 hi xen
Can you suggest what I should do?
How many turns I should inculcate for both primary and secondary coil
Yes, absolutely. However, you would need to either use a shorter secondary to make sure the length of secondary wire is the same as in this video, or, you would need a larger primary capacitor. Using thinner wire means more turns, thus lower resonant frequency. To match that lower frequecny, the primary cap needs to be bigger to low the primary frequency as well.
@@MohitSharma_calc sorry I didn't see your reply
In order to produce resonance what is the number of turns in primary coil is preferred??
Hi jaydev. As mentioned in the video, its 6.5 turns with the 1.3nF cap. Cheers.
I can't find the capacitor you used but I used the capacitor which is already with racket (22K) but it is not working WILL YOU TELL ME WHAT CHANGES I HAVE TO DO WITH OTHER THINGS TO MAKE THEM WORKING ON THAT CAPACITOR what is your wire thickness
I have the same problem
AT LEAST ANSWER TO THE QUESTION
Hello.
I used 0.0047uF (4.7nF) 2500V Non-Polar Polypropylene Film Capacitor
4 of them in series.
Available online.
I have lot of those bug zappers lying around. let me try this!
What type of the wire should we use for the primary coil and for the connections between the whole current path?
Hey, could you please drop an organized list of materials required for this project :D