Tesla Switch need help

[Thaelin]

@ Groundloop
   Hey just thought I would post this at ya and see what you think. Since you stated that the traces burn with no load on the system, then that brings to mind that you had a path for the current to flow. Namely, I mean the MosFets. They have a very fast turn on time and low internal resistance. This makes the switching critical. If you look at the pictoral in the D6b.pdf of the mechanical switch, you will notice 70 degree gaps in the conductors. That basicly forms a "Break before Make" type of switch.
   If you have a dual trace scope you will be able to see what I mean by scoping channel 1 on one set of fets and ch2 on the other. Then set to a very short sample time and see the overlap. I would suspect you are using the same signal just inverted to switch all six transistors.
   In all essence, you have an intermittent short happening and thus a lot of heat. There should be all but "NO" current flow on this without a load. Simply no load, each side will switch from parallel to serial connection but no flow between.

   On top of that, I have manually hooked up the circuit and included the caps and can get no output per se. I cant see how this will function with them in the works. Time will tell, I just finished chargeing 4 idenical 12v5ah gels and in the process of setting it up with 555's to form the break before make switching.  Have fun and lets make this fly

thaelin

@Plengo,

I used 6 resistors to limit the max. current for each switch. My circuit is now running cool with
no wasted heat. All four batteries is slowely discharging even with no load on the output.

@Maxc

I think the circuit you posted is a better way to do it. Switching charge between capacitors and
just refill the needed power due to loss in the circuit. I will use my circuit but modify my capacitor
and diode board to switch between capacitors via a transformer.

Groundloop.

[Groundloop]

[EDIT] Deleted.

[Groundloop]

[EDIT] Deleted.

[Thaelin]

@ Groundloop

   Okies, now I see why you have constant current flow. The transformer. I have no transformer and thus no path. 

   My setup is via the original Brandt 1983  bratt.jpg circuit. Verbetim. It works well. But therein lies the missunderstanding. I will be adding the triggers today and then fire it up and let it run to see what goes.

@plengo
       Waiting to hear more on your setup.

thaelin

[Groundloop]

[EDIT] Deleted.