I got the power supply going again with 15 KV 750 ma diodes, and with a capillary leak, pressure control is a reality. I seem to hit the limits of the power supply at ~3-5 microns, over a very small pressure range, as the pressure falls, I go from star mode at 5 microns, 7.5 KV, 10 Ma to nada at ~3 microns, 10 KV, 0.0 ma. The transition is sharp, Like turning off the lights. I am at the upper limit of the power supply voltage, and this sounds like is is close to the lower limit of voltage for a working D2 fusor.
The question is how much lower can one push the extinction pressure by jacking up the voltage, to say 20 KV.
Going from a 10 KV neon sign transformer based power supply, a 20 to 30 KV power supply sound like a whole different ball game. What isa good source for the transformer? What do you use for the wiring? 15 KV neon sign wire? Can you just put a bunch of lower voltage (diodes, Caps etc.) components in series, and pray that they don't burn up?
I expect that things will be much clearer after my first Hamfest experience June 9, in Eau Claire WI.
Created on Thursday, May 31, 2001 10:37 PM EDT by Thomas D Dressel