Rather then using a spark gap to create RF radio frequency I believe the Testatica machine
uses a radio frequency power oscillator using the single, purpose built, vacuum tube. The wimshurst machine can supply a high voltage for the vacuum tube plate supply. This is a much more
efficient method of producing RF radio frequency AC signal than a spark gap. This allows very simple
light air core transformers to be used to step down the AC RF power signal.

The other method the Testatica uses to step down voltage is the "inverse voltage multiplier" this
a mechanical multiplexor switch that stacks constant capacitive sections into series, applies high
voltage DC, splits the capacitive sections into parallel then outputs the lower DC voltage at higher
current.

The reason the testaica machine is built from carbon like a MOV metal oxide varisistor is that
it is running "full out" only during certain conditions, not at all times. This requires self regulation
They eventually wanted to synthesize 220VAC at 50HZdirectly. Taps from the RF transformers combined
with switch based multiplexor can synthesize the sinewave. Meanwhile the main wheel rotates
at 50Hz timing rate. Those Antenna keys allow multiple machine to operate nearby each other without
synchronization and power sharing.

The key is that the overunity energy comes from the basic wimshurst machine itself not from side effects
of hand built components. This will be shown more directly in the future by operation wimshurst machine
using higher power electrostatic mechanical motors. I think this capacitive coupling to the wimshurst
energy-pickoff is a key to getting output voltages down into semiconductor range and to eliminate
brush wear. Be aware that capacitive coupling will require resistive equalization to occur on the wheel and the
inefficiency implied by this.

A better way may be to indeed operate the Wimshurst machine full-out with a high voltage static mechanical
drive then let secondary electronics accept all extra energy produced.

:S:MarkSCoffman

Just updating. The wimshurst was built quickly, unfortunately the following experiments didn't show any sign of usable power. I combined the output to a JouleThief but the amperage was too low or the spikes too short to get the JT run (even when using transformers, rectifiers, caps).

I guess one can only understand the Testatika if one understands the "Testatika Principle Experiment" first. I eventually realized it makes no sense to start with any other experiments. Unfortunately this "Principle experiment" couldn't be reproduced either by various experimentors. Obviously even there Baumann used his 2 "magical" grid caps, where we don't know what is inside. Any sketches of what could be within these caps from 3rd parties such as Albert Hauser or Paul Potter are only guesses and speculation. This makes it basically useless 

Isn't it nice how mankind isn't ready for energy generators like this (the words from the Methernita...) when Atomic Power Plants explode? I hope they feel good about hiding their invention...