[Boatanchors] CFLs

[Robert Nickels]

I've had pretty good luck with the CFLs too - far better than the 
electronic fluorescent ballasts now used in most of the cheaper "shop 
light" type lamps.   Not only do they emit horrible RFI but some will 
flicker and fail to start even with new lamps and at least one side 
usually fails completely within a year or two maximum.  The ones rated 
for low temperature operation seem to be much better.

A web search will turn up plenty of schematics for CFLs.  Most contain a 
full or half bridge rectifier and filter, and a simple oscillator using 
a couple of transistors or FETs running around 40 khz.  My experience 
has been that the RFI drops off very rapidly a few feet away from the 
lamp itself.    Homebrew QRP fan and all-round genius AA1TJ has made a 
transmitter and a receiver using parts salvaged from derelict CFLs: 
http://www.aa1tj.com/radio.html

But with regard to CFLs, I just heard talk show host Mark Steyn refer to 
them as "those things that look like yogurt-coated curly fries" - and I 
submit this as the definition of record!

73, Bob W9RAN