How to make a homemade Tesla coil

How to make a mini Tesla coil

This video tutorial from youtube channel MFH will show us in a simple way how to build a mini tesla coila small transformer capable of ionizing the air and producing such curious effects as lighting a light bulb or an LED “from a distance”, something that, due to its apparent simplicity, seems “magical”.

It is a very simple and entertaining project, especially for the little ones in the house, it can awaken in them an interest in science that they did not have before.

Contents

What is a Tesla coil.

A Tesla coil is a type of resonant transformer, which inventor Nikola Tesla patented in 1891.

The Tesla coil is made up of a series of coupled resonant electrical circuits. Tesla coils typically create electrical discharges with a range of several meters.

This coil consists of a power supply, an electrical capacitor, a coil transformer and a set of electrodes for the spark to jump through the air.

It is a device used in the most diverse applications, from particle accelerator to televisions and toys.

The Tesla coil, as we saw earlier, can be made from materials readily available at electronics stores or from recycled or reused materials.

Materials to make a homemade mini Tesla coil.

The materials needed to make a scaled Tesla coil are:

  • Base on which to install the components. A wooden board may suffice.
  • A 9V battery with a connector.
  • A transistor (2N2222A).
  • A resistor of 22k Ohms.
  • A switch.
  • A PVC pipe.
  • Copper wire.
  • A small ball.
  • Aluminium foil.
  • Tape.
  • Cable to connect everything or solder.

The result can be tested with different bulbs and LEDs, which will light up differently depending on their size, their power…

How to make a mini Tesla coil.

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Precautions when using the Tesla coil.

Tesla coils produce dangerous levels of high frequency current and high voltages. These electrical shocks can cause severe internal and external skin burns, charring of the skin, involuntary muscle spasms, induction of ventricular fibrillation, pacemaker problems, and other problems.

Do not bring electronic devices near the coil. Connect the coil only if you are supervised by a teacher or an elderly person who is aware of the dangers of high voltages.

In this article, we share a fascinating file with all the patents filed by Nikola Tesla, available at the US Patent and Trademark Office.

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