A Look Ahead

The end of one year and the beginning of another necessitates a moment of reflection upon what has been accomplished and what might be ahead. TCBA has received many letters containing both suggestions and questions regarding what direction this organization should take. Some are from readers who realize, as I do, that there are certain limitations to an organization as ours. Perhaps this is a good time to clear the air so our readers will know my thinking on the matter.

First of all, TCBA is not a corporation, does not have a board of directors, and does not hold an election of officers. Consequently, it is not the type of organization that can perpetuate itself. As things stand, TCBA could disappear into thin air at any moment. Although the latter is not my intention, you should be aware that TCBA was not planned as a long term activity.

When I started this organization, it was my intention to establish some form of communication between Tesla coil enthusiasts. Another goal was to recirculate Tesla coil articles from the past as well as the distribution of available current information on the subject. Thus far, we seem to have made some progress with both of these objectives.

Another objective was to set up a network of informational exchanges between Tesla coil builders. TCBA was to act as the focal point for collection and dissemination of information pertaining to what others have done or are presently doing. If there has been any disappointment, this is where we have experienced a lack of success.

Some of the suggestions that have come in have been well thought out and deserve an examination. Others have come from first level communicators and are to be ignored (maybe I am being too generous with their communicator level rating). A number of members feel that TCBA should look into other Tesla inventions. Others want us to cover scientific fields unrelated to Tesla. And then, there are the free energy, levitation, and mind control proponents.

Of the many proposals received, I feel that those suggesting inclusion of non-Tesla high voltage projects into the newsletter should be considered. Van de Graaff generators and Marx generators, induction coils, spark coils, etc., are but a few of the items mentioned. If you have any thoughts on this proposal, I'd be happy to hear about them.

In conclusion, I hope that I have clearly expressed my opinions regarding our future and the life of TCBA. We all know that there is no such thing as “forever.” If, and when, the time comes to erase TCBA from the books, Let's make sure that our contributions have been well done!

A Tesla Coil Bibliography?

As you know, TCBA has reproduced the classic T.S. Curtis book, HIGH FREQUENCY APPARATUS (still available at $15.95, postage paid). This, to me, is one of our finest accomplishments and one which has aroused interest among our readers in regard to extending the project to other books written on Tesla coils. Although I have two books in mind, there will be no further progress until TCBA has sold the remainder of its present supply of the Curtis book. Investing in the reproduction of out-of-print publications involves big bucks (now you know why I wasn't at Colorado) and there is always the risk of being left with a stack of unwanted books.

Be that as it may, I have a strong feeling that there is a definite need for a TESLA COIL BIBLIOGRAPHY. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the already available Dr. Nikola Tesla Bibliography by Ratzlaff and Anderson. Although this publication has been an invaluable contribution to Tesla researchers, I do not feel that it fully meets our needs.

The TESLA COIL BIBLIOGRAPHY will be different in several ways: (1) It will concentrate on the Tesla coil, alone. (2) The entries will be listed chronogically by publication in alphabetical order. (3) Each project will be not only listed but also given a description. (4) The majority of entries will concentrate on North American publications. Tentative sections include (1) spark oscillators, (2) vacuum tube oscillators, (3) scientific publications, and (4) a miscellaneous section.

Whether or not you agree with my proposal, please let me know your feelings. And any ideas or suggestions for approach, arrangement of entries, printing, etc., will be given serious consideration. In addition, if you care to submit information for inclusion into the bibliography, feel free to do so. Many members have already submitted such data and I have transferred them to 3X5 cards. We have over 100 entires to date but this number is only a tip of the iceberg. Should you submit information, please follow the sample forms that follow.