What variac do you recommend?

[bytecode77]

Either the variac is cheap and a chinese firecracker, or it costs about 500-1000. Can anyone recommend one?

I bought this one, but it sprays glowing sparks on my carpet...

Any recommendation?

[Alex]

just use your variac to charge it up and then plug it directly into the wall afterwards

you will have to play quite some money for a good quality variac.

[bytecode77]

I'm sorry for the double post. But since topics have to be approved, I sometimes accidentally post something twice.

Since my variac obviously isn't grounded - I don't know that for sure, but my sweet tesla coil destroyed 3 laptop chargers in 2 weeks - Should I unplug the charger even while the variac charges the coil?

[Alex]

no you don't need to.

it's strange because your variac seems to be able to accommodate a three pronged plug.

so here's your startup procedure:

connect fiber optics and interrupter
plug in low voltage side
plug in high voltage side
charge up coil
unplug variac
plug coil into wall
play music

[bomber315]

didnt you say something about running the laptop charger off of the variac? are you still doing that? if so stop.

[bytecode77]

I'm not running the laptop charger from the varaic anymore. In fact, I connect the laptop charger to the wall only after I charged up the coil - If that makes sense...

[Alex]

you wan to plug in your low voltage side first!!!!!

you don't want high voltage in your coil when the control electronics are powered off..

you charge up the coil LAST when everything else is on. then when you're done, you unplug the high voltage side first and then unplug the low power side when everything is safely discharged.