WARDENCLYFFE® MODEL GUIDE
Choose the Tesla Coil That Fits the Space
Compare six systems—from compact desktop SSTCs to a 1.5 m professional DRSSTC—by demonstration scale, power, music control, sound, and required safety clearance.
Real WARDENCLYFFE® demonstration
Choose by scale
Six models, six different operating environments
Start with the smallest model that fully meets the intended demonstration. Larger arcs also require more space, sound tolerance, and operating control.
TC8
Best for beginners, students, and compact STEM demonstrations.
A lightweight transparent SSTC with simple controls and visible circuitry.
View TC8
TC10MINI
Best for first ownership and small personal displays.
Choose compact size and simpler placement over built-in wireless control.
View TC10MINI
TC10+
Best for a more visible arc in a desktop format.
Adds active cooling and Rainbow Mode without moving to DRSSTC scale.
View TC10+
TC20
Best for classrooms and compact music demonstrations.
The first DRSSTC in the range, with wireless control and built-in tracks.
View TC20
TC50
Best when the arc must read clearly on camera or in public.
Requires a dedicated controlled display area rather than an ordinary desk.
View TC50
TC150
Best for exhibition halls, institutions, and stage productions.
Requires 220V AC, professional site planning, and dedicated buyer training.
View TC150Specifications
Compare the differences once
This table is the single reference for numerical differences. Use the model cards above for the fastest choice.
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| Key difference | TC8 | TC10MINI | TC10+ | TC20 | TC50 | TC150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Beginner and compact STEM demonstration | Small desktop display | Enhanced desktop display | Classroom and compact music display | Studio and public exhibition | Professional venue and institutional installation |
| Architecture | Push-Pull Class E SSTC | Push-Pull Class E SSTC | Push-Pull Class E SSTC | Half-Bridge DRSSTC | Full-Bridge DRSSTC | Full-Bridge DRSSTC |
| Maximum arc | 8 cm (3.1 inches) | 10 cm (3.9 inches) | 15 cm (5.9 inches) | 30 cm (11.8 inches) | 50 cm (19.7 inches) | 1.5 m (59.1 inches) |
| Main unit dimensions | 8.9 × 8.9 × 8.1 cm (3.5 × 3.5 × 3.2 inches) | 9.6 × 9.6 × 7.9 cm (3.78 × 3.78 × 3.11 inches) | 10.4 × 10.4 × 11.7 cm (4.1 × 4.1 × 4.6 inches) | 10 × 10 × 20 cm (3.9 × 3.9 × 7.9 inches) | 21 × 21 × 39 cm (8.3 × 8.3 × 15.4 inches) | 42 × 42 × 120 cm (16.5 × 16.5 × 47.2 inches) |
| Weight | Net: <0.2 kg (<0.44 lb) | Shipping: 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) | Shipping: 0.83 kg (1.8 lb) | Shipping: 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) | Shipping: 8.0 kg (17.6 lb) | Net: 45 kg (99.2 lb) |
| Power | Up to 50 W | Up to 50 W | Up to 100 W | 150 W rated | 500 W rated | 3.5 kW rated |
| Input | 100–240 VAC | 100–240 VAC | 100–240 VAC | 100–240 VAC | 100–240 VAC | 220V AC |
| Music | Music Mode; prepared square-wave tracks (no built-in storage) | Music Mode; prepared square-wave tracks (no built-in storage) | Music Mode; prepared square-wave tracks (no built-in storage) | 100+ built-in tracks + compatible square-wave audio via Bluetooth | 100+ built-in tracks + compatible square-wave audio via Bluetooth | 100+ built-in tracks + compatible square-wave audio via Bluetooth |
| Control | Single knob and mode button | Manual desktop controls | Manual desktop controls | Dedicated wireless controller | Dedicated wireless controller | Dedicated wireless controller |
| Operating sound | Up to 80 dB | Up to 80 dB | Up to 85 dB | Up to 90 dB | Up to 90 dB | Large thunder-like discharge sound |
| Safety distance | 51 cm (20 inches) | 51 cm (20 inches) | 51 cm (20 inches) | 76 cm (30 inches) | 100 cm (40 inches) | 3 m (118.1 inches) |
Weight basis follows the published specification for each model: net weight where available, otherwise shipping weight.
Before you choose
Arc length is only one part of the decision
Space and safety
Plan the controlled operating area first. People and sensitive electronics must remain outside the recommended safety distance.
Square-wave music
Tesla coils modulate electrical arcs; they do not reproduce ordinary audio like a loudspeaker. Use compatible prepared square-wave music.
Sound and power
Larger systems produce stronger discharge sound and demand more deliberate power and site planning. TC150 requires 220V AC.
Technology explained
Why the models behave differently
The architecture helps explain the jump from compact desktop demonstrations to larger controlled displays.
Push-Pull Class E SSTC
A compact high-frequency architecture suited to shorter desktop arcs and simple placement.
Half-Bridge DRSSTC
The bridge into larger musical arcs, wireless control, and a manageable classroom or display footprint.
Full-Bridge DRSSTC
Higher pulse energy for larger demonstrations, with correspondingly greater clearance and installation demands.
Questions not answered above
Frequently asked questions
Can these Tesla coils play ordinary music files?
Which model needs professional setup and training?
What should I send WARDENCLYFFE® if I am still unsure?
Engineer-assisted selection
Tell us where the coil will operate
For classrooms, studios, exhibitions, or professional productions, we can review the available space and recommend the appropriate system before you order.