Help needed with PCB UV Exposure box

zeus_threat · 10th September 2008, 05:55 PM

Hi am making a UV pcb exposure box. I got 4X 6W 240V 50Hz insect killer fluorescent tubes. Each tube has 4 pin. Can anyone please provide a mains wiring diagram i can use to connect these tubes?

Thanks a lot

zeus_threat · 10th September 2008, 06:31 PM

How can i mod the schematics below to include my 4 tubes? Seems i will need a >24W ballast but how many starters? Will 1 per pair of tube be sufficient?

thanks

richie00boy · 10th September 2008, 06:57 PM

Yes you need the starter and ballast... Also the ballast should be rated for the total watt load you are running.

zeus_threat · 10th September 2008, 07:17 PM

Thanks richie boy i forgot to mention this is a T5 tube. Can this type be powered without ballast and starter?

I've attached a new shcematic with 2 tubes is it correct? In case yes can i keep adding my other remaining 2 tubes in parallel as shown? This would mean 4 tubes in parallel 1 stater and a 30W ballast.

Thanks

richie00boy · 10th September 2008, 08:36 PM

I didn't think any fluorescent tube could be run without ballast or starter. You can parallel tubes and have 1 starter and 1 ballast as long as they are rated for the total load.

I'm running 2x 7W tubes in such a way. Or maybe they are 9W, can't remember.

zeus_threat · 11th September 2008, 07:23 AM

Ok thanks RichieBoy. I'll try find a powerful ballast and starter enough to handle my 4 tubes. By the way how long is your exposure time with these tubes?

richie00boy · 11th September 2008, 10:04 AM

I use proper UV tubes designed for PCB exposure, I got them from RS Components a few years ago. I usually expose for 3 minutes. However your tubes will probably be a different wavelength as well as having different power and coverage so you need to experiment with the time.

zeus_threat · 11th September 2008, 03:12 PM

Thanks richie do you have a few rule of thumb or tricks which can be used to set the distance from the tube to the pcb? Thanks

I tested one tube today with a 30W ballast and 1-65W starter. Did the job well

richie00boy · 11th September 2008, 05:29 PM

Sorry I just copied a commercial unit.

zeus_threat · 12th September 2008, 08:43 AM

Hi richieboy do you have a copy of the plans you have used with dimensions you can send to me if possible. My email is thrillseeker182@yahoo.com

thanks

10th September 2008, 05:55 PM	#1
zeus_threat diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mauritius	Help needed with PCB UV Exposure box Hi am making a UV pcb exposure box. I got 4X 6W 240V 50Hz insect killer fluorescent tubes. Each tube has 4 pin. Can anyone please provide a mains wiring diagram i can use to connect these tubes? Thanks a lot

10th September 2008, 06:57 PM	#3
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	Yes you need the starter and ballast... Also the ballast should be rated for the total watt load you are running. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

10th September 2008, 08:36 PM	#5
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	I didn't think any fluorescent tube could be run without ballast or starter. You can parallel tubes and have 1 starter and 1 ballast as long as they are rated for the total load. I'm running 2x 7W tubes in such a way. Or maybe they are 9W, can't remember. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

11th September 2008, 07:23 AM	#6
zeus_threat diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mauritius	Thanks again Ok thanks RichieBoy. I'll try find a powerful ballast and starter enough to handle my 4 tubes. By the way how long is your exposure time with these tubes?

11th September 2008, 10:04 AM	#7
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	I use proper UV tubes designed for PCB exposure, I got them from RS Components a few years ago. I usually expose for 3 minutes. However your tubes will probably be a different wavelength as well as having different power and coverage so you need to experiment with the time. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more


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11th September 2008, 03:12 PM	#8
zeus_threat diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mauritius	Thanks richie do you have a few rule of thumb or tricks which can be used to set the distance from the tube to the pcb? Thanks I tested one tube today with a 30W ballast and 1-65W starter. Did the job well

11th September 2008, 05:29 PM	#9
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	Sorry I just copied a commercial unit. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

12th September 2008, 08:43 AM	#10
zeus_threat diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mauritius	Hi richieboy do you have a copy of the plans you have used with dimensions you can send to me if possible. My email is thrillseeker182@yahoo.com thanks

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