Development of a Tesla Coil Utilizing Neon Sign Transformer and Using Antenna Measurement

A Tesla coil is an electrical apparatus for generating high voltage and high frequency, with the range from thousands to millions of volts, and typical frequencies are hundreds of kilohertz. It produces electromagnetic waves that influence surrounding ions, causing electric sparks and even plasma discharges. Its waveform measurement is limited due to high-voltage hazards. Therefore, this research developed for design, implementation, and antenna-based measurement on a Tesla coil, including a simulation for comparison. Its assembly mainly used a neon sign transformer (NST), spark gap electrodes, toroid, and some coils and capacitors. The yielded waveforms were measured using a digital storage oscilloscope through a dipole antenna. This coil produced a secondary voltage of more than 140 kV at around 282-kHz resonant frequency. The testing was done by changing the secondary discharge gap between the toroid and rod with distances between 5 and 15 cm. The results showed that discharge voltage occurred with a distance ranging from 5 to 12 cm. The discharged voltage at the 12-cm distance was estimated at around 315 kV. The yielded waveforms were more precise than previous research and close to the simulation results.