So I have been working on a tesla coil and I just finished the primary circuit. I decided to run it alone (theoretically the spark gap should jump) but nothing happened.

 

Heres the setup. http://www.physics.gla.ac.uk/~kskeldon/PubSci/images/tesla3.gif

 

10kv 30mA AC neon transformer.

Capacitor that I made (rated at 2911 pF and up to 20kV, by my calculations) inductor (haven't done calculations yet... just wanted to see if it worked. But its coiled outwards and has about 8 turns and 3inches<radius<7 inches)

 

Help plz? I would think that it had to do with either the power supply (both lines are hot not just one, and theres an anti short system) or the capacitor not working or the strengths of the inductor and capacitor are too far off. I tested to see if electricity was getting through by forcing it to arc at various points and found that power was just going strait through the capacitor (obviously).

You could get an AC ammeter, to start!