Introduction: Make a Simple Portable Tesla Coil!

About: Kid pursuing an engineering degree.

Introduction

I've made this Tesla Coil in reference and inspired by José Davēd's video: "DIY Tesla Slayer Exciter Coil Tutorial Mini How to Build Easy Circuit Explanation"

I find that his circuit seems to work really well so I wrote this instructables and also redraw the circuit appropriately since his video did not have a appropriate circuit diagram.

This project is a good starter for people who wants to know about tesla coils. Also a really cool object to place on your work desk!

IT'S REALLY REALLY SIMPLE!! And probably under a tenner!

At the last step you can see some images of it done without a housing!

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The list:

  1. 24 SWG Enamelled wire (other sizes may work too)
  2. Standard house appliances wire (those used in wiring your house)
  3. A blank housing cap
  4. Electrical plug housing
  5. LED light
  6. Switch
  7. Transistor BD135
  8. Heatsink for the transistor
  9. Resistor 47k 1/2watt
  10. Breadboard
  11. 9- Volt battery holder
  12. 9- Volt battery
  13. PVC pipe (Mine is approximately 4.3x12cm)

Tools required

  • Soldering Iron
  • Hot glue gun

Step 2: Making the Primary and Secondary Coil

Secondary coil

Coil some 24SWG enameled wire around a PVC pipe as the secondary coil. I sticked some double sided tape on the PVC pipe before coiling it so the wire will not come off.

Then glue it on to the blank housing cap

Primary Coil

Coil some Standard House Appliance Wire as the primary coil. And hold the shape of the coil with some super glue and hot glue . As two ends of the wire faces downwards drill two holes on the blank housing cap and run the wire down the cap and glue everything in place.

Step 3: Wire the Circuit!

It's an extremely simple circuit, just follow the diagram using a breadboard or not as long as it's wired properly it works.

Step 4: Putting Things Together

On the electrical plug housing, cut out the holes for the switch and LED on the sides and hot glue them in place.

Then wire the secondary coil and primary coil accordingly. At this point you should be able to test the Tesla coil by turning it on and putting a fluorescent bulb next to it and it should light up.

If it doesn't work, swap the wires of the primary coil may do the trick.

Step 5: Complete!

Play around with it and show off to your friends!

Here are some extra pictures of the tesla coil which i've tested without the housing

Epilog Contest 8

Participated in the
Epilog Contest 8

Make it Glow Contest 2016

Participated in the
Make it Glow Contest 2016