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High-voltage build

mini Tesla Coil SE

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

High voltageBuild

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A mini Tesla coil takes a small electrical input and turns it into a high-voltage, high-frequency electric field. That field can make nearby bulbs glow and can push air close to electrical breakdown.

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The experiment demonstrates resonance: energy moves back and forth between a coil and capacitor-like electric fields until the secondary coil reaches much higher voltages than the input alone.

f_{0} = \frac{1}{2 π L C}

The natural resonant frequency of an ideal coil-capacitor system.

E \approx \frac{V}{d}

A simple way to connect voltage, gap distance, and electric field strength.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries for Smoke Detector, Electronics & Audio, Reliable, 5-Year Shelf Life

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General electronics battery pick; choose AA/AAA variants when the circuit calls for them.

YIHUA 926 III 60W Digital Display Soldering Iron Station Kit w 2 Helping Hands, 6 Extra Iron Tips, Lead-Free Solder, Solder Sucker, S/S Tweezers, °C/ºF Conversion, Auto Sleep & Calibration Support

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EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

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BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire - Enameled Copper Wire - Enameled Magnet Winding Wire - 4 oz - 0.0098" Diameter 1 Spool Coil Natu

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BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire, Enameled Copper Winding Wire, 4 oz Spool

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TUOFENG 30 awg Wire Solid Core Hookup Wires-6 Different Colored Jumper Wire 100ft or 30m Each, 30 Gauge Tinned Copper Wire PV

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BOJACK 1000 Pcs 25 Values Resistor Kit 1 Ohm-1M Ohm with 5% 1/4W Carbon Film Resistors Assortment

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Tolako 5v Relay Module 5V Indicator Light LED 1 Channel Relay Module for Arduino ARM PIC AVR MCU

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Syncwire 3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable (3.3ft/1m,Hi-Fi Sound), Audio Auxiliary Input Adapter Male to Male Cord for Headphones, Car, Home Stereos, Speaker, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Echo & More – Black

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3.5mm Nylon Braided Aux Cable, Male to Male, 3.3ft

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Use with an existing phone or audio player.

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Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Wireless Transmission Experiment Desktop Toy Model SSTC SS02

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High voltage/RF project. Prefer enclosed educational kits and add safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Etauwe 5/16" Diameter 8" Length 304 Stainless Steel Solid Round Rod, Metal Solid Shaft Rods, for DIY Craft and Metal Working,

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Electrode material only; do not imply this is a full Jacob's ladder kit.

(2 Pack) Sylvania 22083 - F20T12/D 20 Watt Daylight 24 Inch T12 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb 20W 6500K

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Sylvania F20T12/D 20W Daylight 24 Inch T12 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb, 2 Pack

4.5(183)

Confirm tube size and ballast compatibility.

BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF－1000uF

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3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88, 3/4 in x 44 ft, Black, 1 roll, Premium Grade, Rubber Resin Adhesive, PVC Backing, A

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ElectroCookie Large PCB Prototype Board Kit Solderable Breadboards for Electronics Projects Compatible for DIY Arduino Soldering Projects, Gold-Plated (6 Multi-Pack, Blue)

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CHANZON UL Wires 20PACK 9v Battery Dual Connector Clip UL Wires I Type Snap with Pigtail Housing Soft Leather Leads Wires for Adapter Replacement Terminal

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Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

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