Tesla Coil Repair for Liberty Science Center

The Liberty Science Center (LSC) in New Jersey, much like the Roper Mountain Science Center in South Carolina, was impacted by the pandemic. The Tesla coil exhibit had been closed for some time, and staff and contractor turnover had occurred.

The museum reached out to Tesla Universe, and we agreed to visit and assess the situation. We conducted research beforehand, and the LSC staff was very cooperative with our preparations.

LSC boasts two large Tesla coils of the modern DRSSTC (Dual Resonant Solid-State Tesla Coil) type, built by ArcAttack. They feature a custom PC-based control system that synchronizes MIDI and digital audio, complete with robotic drums. It’s one of the most advanced setups I’ve ever worked on.

Upon arriving at LSC, I was most impressed by their security, run with top-tier precision. The museum’s sheer scale was equally striking—one of Earth’s largest science museums, it offers everything imaginable and is immaculately maintained.

The Tesla coils operate in the main theater, which has a steel floor reminiscent of a bumper car ride. The coils and hardware are on wheels, rolled out from behind the stage as needed. They function similarly to our Tesla gun, with the bridge circuit housed in a power cabinet separate from the coils. Each coil comprises primary and secondary coils, tank capacitors, and toroids.

The coils’ design is exceptional. From custom fiberglass enclosures to a Faraday cage with a long stainless-steel sleeve that allows visitors to touch the sparks, they offer probably the most immersive Tesla coil experience outside Greg Leyh’s monster coil.

With constant setup, teardown, and storage, issues arise, no matter how well something is designed. Much like Roper Mountain’s coil, LSC’s coils had frayed wires that needed re-termination. The robotic drums had a broken fiber optic receiver, and the fiber cables were mismatched at the controller.

After resolving these issues, we tested the coils. I was unaware of the digital audio capability, so I was thrilled to hear the drums of the Terminator 2 soundtrack play alongside the Tesla coils. This was before we’d even connected the robotic drums—an awesome surprise!

The LSC team had researched Tesla Universe and had seen the Smarter Every Day video featuring our Tesla gun. During preparations, they asked if I’d bring it for a demo. I was, of course, happy to oblige.

Once the coils were cleaned, repaired, and tested, the CEO and many staff gathered in the theater. They watched as I suited up with the Tesla gun, asking numerous questions. Though familiar with the large coils, being so close to a coil was initially foreign, even intimidating. Once they saw me touch the sparks, they relaxed and joined in the fun.

It was a highly successful visit. Thanks to Ruben, Travis, and the LSC staff for their hospitality and trust in Tesla Universe. The Tesla coil exhibit will open soon. Who knows—you might even see a Tesla gun there in the near future!

Cameron