I started to learn just how the coil works and how it could be improved. I began modifications that made the coils performance jump drastically. I also built a new 'Richard Quick spark gap'. Allied Signs generously donated several used neon sign transformers. Click to make 'em big.
Secondary coil is coated with a few coats of polyurethane.
I figured that the coil would probably perform better with a much larger topload, but the primary coil was to small. We also had terrible arcing problems with this primary coil, so we built a new primary. Here are some pics taken October '98. Click on them for a full size picture. The spark gap in the last picture is new also.