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does anyone have experience with neon transformers?
I wonder if any correspondents have experienced poor performance from low-voltage (less than 1000 V) constant current transformers. These transformers usually include a series capacitor that provides a semi-resonant effect, boosting the output voltage once the tube has started.
However, until that happens there is only the normal no-load output voltage available and this may be insufficient for starting reasonably long lengths of tubing. There appears to be a problem in starting, particularly in cold damp weather.
If anyone has experience of these devices, I should be glad tio hear from them.
Regards
Don Dunthorne
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4 Replies
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Thanks for the post don…
Unfortunately our company doesn’t dabble much in the neon trade due to
Inexperienced staff. Hence the last question I asked you on training schools… however i’m sure if others come across problems they will let you know..While im here..
Im thinking of ordering some OSRAM High Efficacy T5 fluorescent tubes for the inside of some office windows. And also 1 or two to be consealed within a alloy pipes with slots cut from them…
What I was wondering is, have you ever used these types of bulbs before or any similar. They are only 16mm diameter and are supposed to be as bright as neon.
If so… are they this bright?
We are no experts in lighting by any manner of means but are constantly trying to find out more about this line of work & that of LEDs. -
Re: T% lamps
Yes, they are very bright compared with white cold-cathode tubes.
Osram FQ5484 Cool White, 1149 mm x 16 mm diameter delivers 5000 initial lumens for 54 W, ie. over 90 lumens per watt. For comparison, this lamp delivers about 4350 lumens per metre.
In comparison, a 15 mm cold-cathode cool white tube will provide about 1640 lumens per metre at an efficacy of around 54 Lumens/watt.
You need to operate the Osram lamps from their dedicated electronic ballasts.
Hope this helps
Regards – Don Dunthorne
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As far as LEDs are concerned, did you read my summaries of the present situation in two issues of Sign Directions earlier this year. as well as doing some tests of my own, I obtained much information from manufacturers. The articles represented a fair summary of the state of play at that time.
Of course, the technology is improving by leaps ands bounds and many developments have been reported since that date. I don’t know if you read Lighting Equipment News (free to anyone in the lighting industry) but most new developments are reported there.
Regards
Don Dunthorne
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That was an interesting topic Don, sort of put me off a bit untill i found some luxeon emitters (hewlet packard and phillips), there is a pic of a fabricated letter on the boards somewhere showing it halo lit with just 9 LEDs and it is far better and cheaper than neon, its difficult to comment on stuff nowadays with technology going so fast, one day is not so much good, the next is the best thing since sliced bread
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