Re: Cold Cathode Transformer

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "C. Sibley" <a37chevy@xxxxxxxxx>

Thanks to all that gave advice.  I fired it up tonigh
and it drew 18A with a nice arc, right where expected
for a current limited transformer.

Thanks again,

Curt.


--- Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson"
> <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Good idea Curt. It's always best to test than
> assume. Transco has the
> transformer listed at their website
> (www.transco-neon.com). Not much
> there in the form of technical documents. It may be
> possible that the
> transformer is special order and isn't current
> limited? or the person
> you bought it from just assumed? In any event, test
> it first.
>
> Take care,
> Bart
>
> Tesla list wrote:
>
> >Original poster: "C. Sibley" <a37chevy@xxxxxxxxx>
> >
> >That is what I thought, but had doubt based upon
> his
> >comments.  I'll run a little test to be certain.
> >Thanks to all in the list that helped.
> >
> >Curt.
> >
> >
> >--- Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> > > Original poster: "Barton B. Anderson"
> > > <bartb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >
> > > Hi Curt,
> > >
> > > Cold Cathode transformers are simply higher
> output
> > > current
> > > transformers for the larger cold cathode tubes.
> No
> > > need to add an
> > > external ballast. Cold cathode tubes do not
> require
> > > the heating
> > > elements as neon tubes do, thus, they have
> immediate
> > > start up, can
> > > also be dimmed, and have long life. The tube is
> what
> > > is actually
> > > "cold cathode", and the transformer current
> simply
> > > needs to be
> > > capable of starting it.
> > >
> > > Consider it a 15/120 NST (that's what it is, and
> > > nice to have!)
> > >
> > > Take care,
> > > Bart
> > >
> > >
> > > Tesla list wrote:
> > >
> > > >Original poster: "C. Sibley"
> <a37chevy@xxxxxxxxx>
> > > >
> > > >I have the good fortune of recently purchasing
> a
> > > >15000V, 120mA "Cold Cathode" transformer made
> my
> > > >Transco.
> > > >
> > > >The gentleman that I bought it from told me
> that
> > > Cold
> > > >Cathode transformes are not current limited.
> I've
> > > >searched the list archives and have found a
> message
> > > >that states they *are* current limited.
> > > >
> > > >So, here's the question, how can I tell if it
> is
> > > >current limited without damaging it?  Is there
> any
> > > >danger in drawing an arc and monitoring the
> > > current?
> > > >
> > > >Thanks,
> > > >
> > > >Curt.
> > >
> > >
> > >