I found this really inspiring photo: http://nic.funet.fi/pub/sci/electrical/tesla/pictures/rq/rq_e800.gif
And decided why not try to make one of my own.. So, how does a tesla coil work, and operate? Does it shoot everywhere or can it be controlled? What voltage does it demand and what does it output?
And by the way, if you know how to make a cattle stick, inform me on that too. ;D

- Kay

It was an experiment for the soviets during the cold war. They dumped the idea because the bolt could not be controlled.

I would recommend having a browse around http://www.amazing1.com/ - buy yourself a book and one of their smaller tesla coils and see for yourself.

I'd recommend that, even if you're not a keen electriction or whatever, you buy one of the kits as opposed to a pre-built one - it makes learning a lot easier, and a lot more fun.

Enjoy!

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Wonder Squirrel

The theory behind a Tesla coil is very simple. High voltage, low amperage.

With a low enough amperage they can be real fun because you can be zapped with it and not be hurt (your hair will stand on end though, very cool). When I was a kid I used one to charge with static electricity and zapped a few people with my finger. Good times.

The bolt from one can not be controled because it will always seek the path of least resistance to ground.

well... knowing that wich is inherent to electricity thats how one could controll it... just might not beable too get it too go where you want.

A) Russian experiment? What the fucking hell? Have you been smoking crack and playing Red Alert? Tesla wasn't Russian, he never lived in Russia, and any cold war experiments were at least fifty years late!

B) Getting zapped by Tesla coils is not a good idea. Yes, the high frequency and low amperage will keep it from killing you. You can still get a nasty electrical burn, though. If you want to get zapped, get a VandeGraaf instead.

Any one have any plans for a tesla coil? cause i want to build one to, well just for fun.

Actually, right now a friend of mine and i are building 2 3ft ones with my science teacher. The bolt is supposed to travel from one to the other. You need like a source, capaciter, transformer, and other shit. Its pretty cool looking. Search around on google for some plans. I got my idea from united nuclear in the dangerous projects and fun experiments. They explain what one is and give some cool pics.

Just make sure you're placing opposite charges on each toroid, deadkennedy.

yeah, got that covered.