Tesla coils are air-core resonant transformers capable of generating thousands to millions of volts, and can be very dangerous. DO NOT ATTEMPT to build a tesla coil without any knowledge or experience.
Version 1
My first tesla coil, runs on a bug zapper transformer and produces one to two inch discharges. Page includes information on repairing the bug zapper transformer.
Version 2
A modified version 1 tesla coil that runs on one six-volt lantern battery and produces 1/2 inch discharges.
Version 3
A tiny tesla coil that runs on a 1kV oscilloscope transformer and lights up a neon bulb for a plasma globe display.
Version 4 - VTTC
My first VTTC, consists two tubes: a 5Y3 and a 6146, and generates brush-like discharges about a quarter inch long.
Version 5
The first large Tesla coil I ever made, which stands about 5 feet tall and generates discharges about 2 to 2.5 feet long.
Version 5.5
Same version 5 with a smaller secondary.
Version 6 - VTTC
A odd capacitor-less VTTC that uses a 4X150 and generates discharges about a half inch long.
Version 7 - VTTC
A triple-807 powered VTTC that produces bright and powerful one-inch discharges from a massive 760V transformer. This VTTC makes very interesting plasma globe displays.
Version 8
A medium-sized 2-foot tall Tesla coil that produces about 1 foot long discharges.
Version 9 - SSTC
A low power Solid State Tesla coil that produces about 6-inch long discharges.
Version 10 - SSTC
A medium power Solid State Tesla coil that produces about 9-inch long discharges.
Version 11
An old-fashioned and large spark gap Tesla coil with a 6" diameter secondary and produces sparks about 3 feet long.