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High-voltage build

Desktop Tesla Coil

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 desktop Tesla coil is a compact way to see high-frequency high voltage in action. It does not just step voltage up; it does it through resonance.

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This project demonstrates electric-field strength, ionized air, and energy transfer without direct contact, especially when nearby fluorescent tubes or small arcs respond to the coil.

f_{0} = \frac{1}{2 π L C}

The coil works best when its resonant parts are timed together.

E \approx \frac{V}{d}

Air breaks down when the electric field gets large enough over a gap.

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.

Jesverty DC Power Supply Variable, 0-30V 0-10A Adjustable Switching DC Regulated Bench Power Supply with High Precision 4-Dig

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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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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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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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TUOFENG 20 AWG Solid Core Hookup Wire Kit, 6 Colors

4.6(1,700)

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

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

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BOJACK 10 Values 250 Pcs A1015 BC327 BC337 C1815 S8050 S8550 2N2222 2N2907 2N3904 2N3906 PNP NPN Power General Purpose Transistors Assortment Kit

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150 Pcs 15 Value 100 ohm- 2M ohm Trimpot Variable Resistor 6mm Potentiometer Assortment Kit

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BOJACK 20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor 10 uH to 10 mH 1 W Color Ring Inductor 1 Watt Assortment Kit

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WOWOONE Laser Diode 30Pcs 5V 650nm 5mW Mini Red Dot Laser Head, 6mm Outer Diameter Laser Module with Leads, for Arduino Laser DIY Electronics Projects, High-Stability Red Laser Diode

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30pcs 5V 650nm 5mW Mini Red Dot Laser Diode Modules with Leads

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Laser safety matters. Keep recommendations to low-power modules and add eye-safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

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

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Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Desktop Toy Model

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High voltage/RF project. Prefer enclosed educational kits and add safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance 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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Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries

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

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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3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape

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JCCON 20-Pack 630V 104J Premium Quality Metallized Polypropylene Film Capacitors, P10 CBB21/CBB22 100000pF 100nF 0.1uF MPP Ca

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CBB22 1uF Film Capacitors, 20 Pack

$7.99

Confirm capacitance and voltage rating for the exact circuit. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

StarTech.com 20g Tube CPU Thermal Paste Grease Compound for Heatsinks - heat grease - cpu paste - thermal compound

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StarTech.com Thermal Paste Compound

$5.92

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

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

Coming soon

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