[Collins] 872a Lamp, revisited

[Ian Webb]

There are many different colored cold cathode lights with inverters to run
them made for those for whom the computer is a show piece rather than a
working tool.  You know, rather than the mobile boom box a display item for
the desk - sometimes all show and little go however.

If you select the right blue/purple of those lights and are creative in your
enclosure, you may well be able to achieve the effect you want without
powering up the anode of the tube.

It's certainly be a lot safer for use on a desk top or shelf!

Ian, K6SDE


"Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" wrote:

> Since a fluorescent light is based on mercury vapor, the ballast idea is
> a good one. There are ballasts rated at 1/2 amp through the tube.
> Voltage drop in the 872 should be lower than in a long fluorescent
> though which might fry the ballast if its current limiting isn't all in
> the coil and core.
>
> Jim, you miss the buzz, but I don't miss the buzz, the hash in the
> receiver, and the bangs from flashovers.
>
> 73, Jerry, K0CQ