Russian Slayer Exciter 2.0 Tesla Coil
Intro: Russian Slayer Exciter 2.0 Tesla Coil
In this instructable I will share my build of a small SSTC Tesla Coil.
There is a video on YouTube that inspired me:
Although that looks very cool, my main question was: "Really? And Can I build it?"
So I dive right in and designed a PCB along the way. That way it's easier to reproduce and a little bit safer to build. However,
Be warned! This is high voltage. Touching any part of the circuit or even the output of the coil CAN KILL YOU. Rebuild and use at your own risk…
STEP 1: Warning - Working Safely Is Working Best!
Disclaimer:
I, Mark Donners, The Electronics Engineer, may or may not endorse various Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects and all DIY projects are purely “at your own risk”. As with any DIY project, unfamiliarity with the tools and process can be dangerous. Posts should be construed as theoretical advice only.
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Disclaimer short version:
This is a DIY project, use any provided information and/or materials at your own risk! I am not responsible for what you do with it! Make sure that you know what you are doing! High voltage can kill!
STEP 2: The Electronic Circuit
The circuit of this "Russian Slayer Exciter" has some similarities with a standard Slayer exciter circuit.
It uses a FET as switching device for the Tesla coil and it 'rides' on the inductive power of a few Ballast coils that are normally used for fluorescent lights. A thyristor is used to set the trigger level to determine how often the ballast coils are loaded with energy.
A potentiometer is used to change this trigger level. By changing the resister value of the potentiometer by turning it's dial, the pulse rate can be adjusted. There is one major disadvantage to this methode.
NEVER TOUCH the open end of the coil ( any any part of the circuit for that matter) depending on how it is wired, you could be touching the power line of your outlet directly.!This is a typical "Watch but don't Touch" kind of coil. The pcb is available at Tindie.com:
STEP 3: Winding the Coils
Secondairy coil
As you can see in the photo, the secondary coil has a diameter of approx. 90mm and I applied approximately 1000 windings of 32AWG isolated copper wire.
Make sure that you apply enough isolated varnish after winding the coil to isolate it properly.
Also, the beginning of the winding should be as short as possible in regards to connection terminal.Same goes for the output end. You should prevent unnecessary length of wire 'hanging' around in the inside of the coil because this might cause a flash-over later.
Primary Coil
The primary coil is made up of 4 windings in the range of awg12 ( approx 2mm2 or similar). Wind them around a piece of PVC pipe with a diameter of 12 cm.( a bit smaller or wider will also work). Make sure the wire is isolated because this is the high power end!
Wiring of the Primary Coil.
Keep in mind that if you see only little sparks when all is assembled and you're doing a test run, that the polarity of the primary coil plays a major part in being successful. Changing the polarity might make all the difference. Trail and error.
STEP 4: Connecting All Together
Connecting the parts.
When you have assembled the PCB and finished winding the Primary and secondary coil, it is time to hook it all up. -
- Connect the Ballast coils 2 pairs (each pair consists of 2 ballast coils in parallel)
- Hook up the 2 switches to operate the coils
- connect the potmeter if you haven't done so already
- connect the primary and secondary coils
- place the primary coil over the secondary coil
- Connect the mains but don't plug it in just yet!
STEP 5: Fire It Up and Get Sparky!
Ok, so everything is ready right?
a few last notes:
Make sure the secondary coil has a breakout point. This can by a nail or piece of hard wire that point up in the air towards the ceiling. If you leave it out, a breakout of sparks might happen at the top of your coil which is something you don't want for sure!
Did u double check your circuit board and connections?
If you have an isolation transformer or Variac trafo etc, this might be a good time to use it.
Remember, sparks or no sparks, When it's plugged in to the net. NEVER touch the circuit, the heat sinks, or the output of the coil!.Always unplug your setup from mains! Always!! Remember the one hand rule: "I've got one hand in my pocket...and the other is touching electricity...." That way you will decrease the change of current going trough your heart when you are unfortunate to electrocute yourself.
Now Fire it up!!
Did you get the same nice long sparks is seen in my video?
Check out my two video's:
Long version with explanation:
Short Video: