Below is the schematic diagram of version 1 tesla coil.
Since this was my first one, it was not built fancy and neatly at first. I built this one in less than 5 hours. I used the parts I had available. I got 1 to 2 inch discharges from this coil. You also can create a plasma globe using either a regular light bulb, (purple) or a neon-filled neon bulb (bright orange).
Version 1 Specifications:
Primary: 2 turns
Secondary: About 520 turns, 12 inches in length from top to bottom, #24 gauge magnet wire
Spark Gap: 2mm gap, 2 pieces of metal
Capacitor: 3x 0.033uF @ 800v, 3x 0.047uF @ 600v in series, about 6500pF total capacity, 4200v rating
Input V: About 1KV to 2KV
Output V: About 80KV
Sadly the bug zapper transformer broke down. Like I said, it had issues. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it would have orange sparking inside. I repaired the transformer, which is uncommon since most people would throw away a dead transformer. Details on the repairs and pictures below.
Close-up of the base
Close-up of the spark gap
Spark gap during operation
1 inch brush discharges
2 - 4 inch arcs
Tesla-powered plasma globe
Updated version 1 tesla coil in a metal case
DO NOT ATTEMPT to do this without knowledge and experience on transformer construction and functions.
I believe this transformer has a capacitor built in to suppress a short circuit, (when it zaps bugs), or for more power. However, this capacitor probably got overloaded and caused the transformer to die out. The coil on the secondary was THINNER than a strand of hair, and the output wires easily broke off the coil. However, to get access to the coil's ends, I had to literally saw the top of the transformer off, where the built-in capacitor is located. I removed the capacitor doing this. I also decided it was no good to try soldering new wires to the ends of the secondary, so I stuck two thick pieces of wire in the transformer where the coil's ends are. Voilą, now my dead transformer is functional again.
Before to After Pictures:
