News-Notes-Trivia

Letters

“I really enjoy reading TCBA NEWS... I have learned so much of Tesla coils and found all the mistakes that I've been making on my own Tesla coils in the past....” (J.W. Radway)

“I am very pleased with the format, depth, and presentation of TCBA NEWS. Thank you for your dedication.” (L. Balint)

“I was a subscriber to SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN...I built a larger water dropper - 3 to 4 jets and inductors. The spark was brighter with a louder snap and was unpleasant to experience through the body. The fragrance of ozone became evident after a few moments operation. The nature and weight of the liquid seems to set the limits on the voltage. The higher the voltage, the greater the tendency for the drops to float on the electrostatic field and not go through the inductors or collecting cans. Everything gets wet in a short while with lots of leakage (electrically speaking.)” (L.A. Hildreth)

“You might be interested to know that the Tesla coil in Volume 2, #4 (with slight modification) provided me with an honors project in my Electric Circuits II class here at Clemson University...Information in the other issues also helped me write the speech I used to present the coil to the class.” (Todd Nichols)

Hands on Electronics

Readers may be interested in subscribing to this project magazine (from Radio Electronics). The summer, 1985, issue carried another interesting article by Robert Iannini. This time, it was devoted to constructing your own high frequency plasma machine. As you may well know, a commercial device of this type runs around $2000. Now, HOE shows you how to make your own.

Furthermore, the November-December issue carries a Van de Graaff generator construction project. Although it is a small unit, it is one of the few that I have seen that calls for external excitation. That is, it produces its charge via a high voltage circuit rather than the commonly used friction principle. For those who may have trouble finding the necessary parts, a kit is available from Electronic Technical Consultants for $75. (Address not given)

Invention & Technology

The Fall, 1985, issue of American Heritage of Invention & Technology carried an historic article, “How Did the Heroic Inventors Do It?” Nikola Tesla was among the greats mentioned. Page 19 carried a full page photo of Tesla seated before his Magnifying Transmitter. Although nothing is said about Tesla that is not already known, it was good to see him included in such company as Edison, Sperry, and Lee De Forest.

Another interesting article that should be not overlooked is “Radio Revolutionary” by T.S. Lewis. It covers E.H. Armstrong's innovations in exotic circuitry which eventually became FM broadcasting. It also documents the tragic end of his life.

Further on, page 42 covers the history and operations of the Burndy Library and museum of science & technology located in Norwalk, CT. The Burndy was initiated by Bern Dibner, an electrical engineer who continues to oversee its operation. The Library is full of items not found elsewhere and, without doubt, its collection could never be put together today for any sum of money. The Burndy, for example, owns all of Pasteur's major works. In one of the cabinets, there is some material about “that strange inventor Nikola Tesla.”

A New Look at an Old Science

Larry Ries sent in a copy of a GTE advertisement announcing a major improvement in lighting. “GTE is applying electrodeless technology with RF power sources as exciters.” Too bad there was no mention of Tesla's work in this field. Tesla demonstrated electrodeless lighting in 1891. Will this continual omission of Tesla's contributions ever end?

Tesla Memorial Society

TCBA members not yet associated with the TMS can find out about this organization's latest activities by writing for a copy of their Fall-Winter 1985 newsletter. Also, the organization is about to distribute its double issue of the TESLA JOURNAL. For membership information, write TMS, 453 Martin Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218.