neon sign transformer confusion

[Tesluh]

Trying to build a don smith device and coming up with a proper nst has been a huge hurdle.  how can I tell the difference between a 60 hz and ~37khz unit?  what changes the 60hz primary into 30 plus khz on the secondary, a transistor?  are all nst's high frequency output even though they are called "60hz"?  Having a hard time finding one that isn't gfci, and has access to the center tap without having to take all the potting out.  found the "core" of an nst on ebay (no gfci) but it' just an iron core transformer, I assume that would get me high voltage low frequency if I didn't have the transistor as well?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4000-Volt-30-mA-220-50Hz-Open-Core-and-Coil-Neon-Sign-Transformer-/172373612922?hash=item282244997a:g:cX0AAOSwl9BWGumF

the other option is spend $290 for one from www.amazing1.com kind of pricey for a component to a device that I am not even sure is going to function.

I read an "instructable" on building tesla coils and found out that Transco and France nst's have gfci's that are easily removeable.  Might hunt one of those down and see what they look like. 

[Zeitmaschine]

You could ask that strange replication buddy what neon transformer he has put to use with his Don Smith device replica.

But at least I have found the original Don Smith inverter. It is rated 200W 5 minutes. So no chance it could ever power 10 light bulbs 100W each. Means, if the audience at the presentation has not overlooked a hidden wire (or the light bulbs are only 20W each) then that Don Smith device produces real OU indeed.

Regards

[Magluvin]

Trying to build a don smith device and coming up with a proper nst has been a huge hurdle.  how can I tell the difference between a 60 hz and ~37khz unit?  what changes the 60hz primary into 30 plus khz on the secondary, a transistor?  are all nst's high frequency output even though they are called "60hz"?  Having a hard time finding one that isn't gfci, and has access to the center tap without having to take all the potting out.  found the "core" of an nst on ebay (no gfci) but it' just an iron core transformer, I assume that would get me high voltage low frequency if I didn't have the transistor as well?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4000-Volt-30-mA-220-50Hz-Open-Core-and-Coil-Neon-Sign-Transformer-/172373612922?hash=item282244997a:g:cX0AAOSwl9BWGumF

the other option is spend $290 for one from www.amazing1.com kind of pricey for a component to a device that I am not even sure is going to function.

I read an "instructable" on building tesla coils and found out that Transco and France nst's have gfci's that are easily removeable.  Might hunt one of those down and see what they look like.

Older units are 60hz, large heavy box with 2 porcelain insulators.  That one in don smiths pic is looking like a more modern one and possibly electronicly driven which may be in the khz range of operation. Cant read the specs on that pic Z posted.

Mags

[Tesluh]

Thank you! Until now I hadn't seen any video of that device making actual power.  Gives me hope mine will someday be able to as well.  Yes all the ones I have here are either steel box or I have a small 12v one that doesn't function repeatably.

[Magluvin]

This is what Im seeing in this first stage circuit. Never seen that pic in that detail before.

It appears that the output of the neon transformer is rectified on both output leads, like it is running as a reverse Avramenko plug.  Only one lead can pump the cap at a time. Then I suppose each pump there must be a spark in the spark device to the left which seems to be connected to a gnd screw. I wonder if that screw is normally there or was it added?

The screw could be a center tap to the sec in the neon box? Or connected to the AC ground lead.

Mags