[R-390] Re: BallasTube Question

[David Wise]

Good point on the diode, Drew.  Even though
I've mentioned it in the past, I didn't think
of it this time.

And thanks for the plug.  I figured that aside
from you and a couple of others, no-one was
interested.  I probably priced it too high.
I decided some time ago to reduce it, but I'm
busy with other stuff.  I will not have time
to lay out the board until next year, and
I don't want to create demand I can't fill.
Plus, I'm still playing around with the design.
I think I can work in a low-current orange LED
to simulate that olde-tyme glow.  It won't
just be cosmetic - it will blink at various
rates to indicate anomalies.  I have it coded
into the program but have not had time to
try it out.

Re 3TF7 etc brightness: I'll say it again.
At nominal voltage and current, it should
be about half lit and half dark.  If it ain't
lit, it ain't regulating.  At least, not well.

73,
Dave Wise

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Drew Papanek [mailto:drewmaster813@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 7:05 PM
>
> David Wise did not mention the most elegant BallaSolution of=20
> all: the 3DW7=20
> tubester he developed.  It plugs right in and fits entirely=20
> within the tube=20
> shield.  It is a true 2 terminal device which will regulate=20
> down to about=20
> 18v input.  It dissipates almost no power, relying instead on=20
> zero crossing=20
> phase control via a sophisticated microcontroller/MOSFET=20
> implementation.