Building a Tesla Coil, safe, unsafe, maybe?

Question

I've thought about building a Tesla coil but that requires a fly-back transformer of which there's one in an old TV and another in a computer monitor that's seen its day.

I know these things retain voltage long after unplugged. With the proper precautions, is it safe to extract these and build a Tesla coil?

Answer 1

This is the best place for info on tesla coils:
http://www.rmcybernetics.com/projects/DIY_Devices/homemade_tesla_coil.htm
It also has something about discharging them safely : )
p.s. read the whole thing before starting

Answer 2

The high voltage is stored by capacitors on the circuit board. If the TV or monitor hasn't been plugged in for a few days, all should have discharged, but to be on the safe side, short circuit each of the capacitors in turn with an insulated handled screwdriver.

Answer 3

You're probably better off to built one from scratch and there are hundreds of websites with drawings, sketches, etc.
The problem with using an old flyback ransformer is that their design is optimized for a particular frequency and power level and it's a power level that really isn't all that safe. You want something with a nice, high voltage but enough Thevenin impedance that it will only supply a few microamps of current.

Doug

Answer 4

CT's and flybacks DONT retain charge and you dont usually use these to make a tesla.

I think you are setting your goals too high - you clearly have very limited understanding of electronics.

Choose another project.

Answer 5

Yes, short out the leads before unsoldering. Perhaps you are thinking of capacitors which do hold charge.

Answer 6

how many people are going to help you build it?

less then 5, don't do it.

I'm thinking about flairs going off on x-mass and people losig there hands.

hey, I've seen it happen.

Promise me that if you don't listen to me you will be verry, verry carefull.

Better safe than sorry