OBSOLETE FILE, instead go see http://amasci.com/tesla/diode.html












HIGH VOLTAGE DIODES                                      Bill Beaty



OBSOLETE FILE, instead go see http://amasci.com/tesla/diode.html



Once good source for HV diodes is... Old Microwave Ovens!  These typically
contain a 5KV to 10KV diode at fairly high amperage ( 0.5A or higher). 
Follow safety precautions during disassembly of course, same as you would
when messing with TV sets, etc.  Hint: some ovens hide their diodes within
the can of the high voltage filter capacitor. 

Some electronics suppliers now sell replacement oven diodes, so
high-current, hi-volt diodes are no longer that rare.  Check out your
local seller of TV repair parts (ECG, NTE, etc. replacement lines). 

Or, try Allied Electronics.  They sell a variety of high current
rectifiers at kilovolt level (intended for microwave ovens as well as
x-ray machines).  Cheap too (though the company has a minimum order $)
Contact them for their mail-order catalog:  http://www.alliedelec.com

  MICROWAVE OVEN RECTIFIERS FROM ALLIED (Collmer Semiconductor):
  ESJC01-12B    12KV    350mA
  ESJC30-08     7.2KV   300mA
  ESJC07-09B    9KV     450mA(under oil)
  ESJC07-12B    12KV    400mA(under oil)


TESLA SECONDARY WIRE

Where to find "magnet wire" for Tesla Coil secondaries?  For full price, 
Allied Electronics carries 1lb and 5lb spools.  http://www.alliedelec.com

Another big company which has been friendly to individuals in the past is:
  MAGNET WIRE CO.
  161 Rodeo Dr.
  Edgewood NW 11717
  516-667-9315

Surplus companies often carry wire:

  Brigar Electronics,  3 lb and 6lb spools
  https://www.brigarelectronics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BE&Category_Code=MW

But a creative scrounger can do better.  Think power transformers!  If you
obtain an old power transformer, you can pry a couple of laminations free,
and the whole stack will then easily disassemble.  You're left with a
spool full of wire for free.  Besides power transformers, larger "choke" 
coils are also a source of free wire. 

Another possibility: neon sign transformers can be disassembled by
carefully heating them in an oven to melt the tar.  Be warned that this is
a fire hazard, and can also fill your kitchen with nasty fumes.  I
personally haven't taken any "neons" apart, and don't know if the wire
size is appropriate for tesla coils.  If you're after some long sparks,
usually #22 gauge or larger wire is best for your Tesla coil secondary.  I
suspect that the secondary of a neon transformer contains far thinner
wire, maybe too thin for a good TC secondary, but perhaps the transformer
primary coil can be salvaged.


(((((((((((((((((( ( (  (   (    (O)    )   )  ) ) )))))))))))))))))))
William J. Beaty                            SCIENCE HOBBYIST website
billb at amasci com                         http://amasci.com
EE/programmer/sci-exhibits   amateur science, hobby projects, sci fair
Seattle, WA  425-222-5066    unusual phenomena, tesla coils, weird sci