Turning a plasma ball into a tesla coil

Other Hardware Device Hacking
1

I came up with this idea a while ago and am now poking my head into the logistics of it.

Spark gap tesla coils seem like pretty easy things to make. I actually have a transformer in the form of a plasma ball, so I decided to research this project.

Here's the concept RIGHT NOW after research:

  • The tesla coil will use a plasma ball transformer as a power source.
  • The tesla coil will be operated via a wireless remote.
  • The coil will be adjustable (the spark gap can be tuned).

This is a similar post to the original laser tag project post. It is intended to get the idea out there, and a more experienced person can tell me if I'm doing something wrong or give guidance. You don't have to help me.

DISCLAIMER - Yeah, I know high voltage is dangerous. However, (from what I hear,) as long as you have a hand behind your back and practice common sense, you're fine. If I'm doing something wrong or need to take more precautions, please just tell me.

EDIT - I am kind of wondering if I should build a slayer exciter instead...

EDIT - I just realized that a slayer exciter is a transformer. Oof. Maybe there's something else I can build with a transformer.

2

You are so wrong. The "plasma" is very high frequency, high voltage and will produce RF burns if the voltage is high enough. You are thinking of STATIC ELECTRICITY being stored in a ball. I think the name is Van Degraff machine.
Paul

3

I forgot those existed.

What do you suggest for safety? Just not touching it?

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Stay away until turned off and discharged.
Paul

5

Pretty much what I figured.

I'm going to ask some questions over on that thread about AC power and see if anyone has built a slayer exciter/tesla coil and what they did.

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