The spark ladder is called a Jacobs Ladder. It can actually hold a constant
spark in one spot, rather than rising, if you bend the rods correctly. I
made one years ago from a neon light transformer.
Ps
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
To: James Carpenter <james.carpenter@jccsystems.swinternet.co.uk>
Cc: Douglas Braun & Nadia Papakonstantinou <dougbert@rcn.com>; Spitlist
<spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 1999 11:43 AM
Subject: Re: Plasma Ignition
>
>
>
> James Carpenter wrote:
> >
> > >Can you explain what plasma ignition is? I assume it is some new
> > technology
> > >that has started appearing on new cars...
> > >
> > >Doug Braun
> > >'72 Spit
> >
> > I assume other people would be wondering what this is so:
> >
> > Plasma ignition is where instead of a single spike of HT voltage you get
a
> > train (serise) of smaller spikes. So you strike a spark, then you keep
the
> > spark (plasma) burning for longer by repetativly sending down spikes of
> > power. A bit like the flicker on a lightning strike where you actualy
see 5
> > or so flashes traveling through the same plasma. Because the plasma
path is
> > established but the first spark the remaining sparks need no where neer
as
> > much energy, to keep the spark sustained.
> >
> > It's based on very old technology, have you seen thoes spark laders
where a
> > horizontal spark travels up two electrodes. Somebodys ladder, it's
> > imposible to put the amount of energy needed to maintane that spark
> > constantly, but because it's very short pulses, the average power is
realy
> > small.
>
> Oh, You mean like the old Frankenstein movie!!! Its alive! It's alive!
>
>
> Joe
> --
> "If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
> -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
>
>
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