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Will this draw current without the motor? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Title pretty much says it all. I'm trying to find a current limiting ballast for a solid state tesla coil, and this has the right size and current draw, but I'd like to eliminate the motor screaming, if possible.

Thoughts?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

Do you mean will the primary coil draw current if plugged in?

Yes.

Not to be critical, but it's a weird question. It's not a bad question, I just can't figure out what you're attempting to do by removing the motor? And, why you'd keep it energized if you remove the motor?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

This is, hopefully, going to be functioning as a current- limiting ballast for a solid state tesla coil. So I need the 1.1A it draws, but not the motor.

I just wasn't sure if that 1.1A would stay constant if it was just the primary coil, without the motor.

I agree it's a weird question, but it's because the instructions I'm following are very vague about what to use as a ballast. The guy says to test the circuit with an incandescent bulb, then use a hair dryer, toaster, or other household implement that draws a couple/few amps. I'm trying to figure out the bare minimum of components from a device that will still draw current

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Ah, OK. You're not using it for it's intended purpose as constructed.

Now I get it. Good luck with the project!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Caution noted, I appreciate the effort either way

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

You may or may not be interested to hear that I took your warning to heart and I'm now planning on using an actual DC power supply, coupled with either a resistive or inductive ballast which will also be designed for that purpose.

I'm sure the original plan is easily workable for someone with training or education, but for an amateur, it was too far outside the box to find reliable information and feel confident in it

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

After reading more, it seems like I'm simply looking for a choke that limits current to 1ish amps

I'll probably be cranking up the current after I get it working, but this is a second step from the light bulb

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Yes but won’t have back emf from rotor if rotor is removed but coil will still work

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Looks like a science project my father helped me with when I was 12 yo.