Help needed with PCB UV Exposure box

[zeus_threat]

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]

A good start

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]

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

 

[zeus_threat]

More tubes

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]

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]

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?

 

[richie00boy]

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]

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]

Sorry I just copied a commercial unit.

 

[zeus_threat]

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

 

[zeus_threat]

BIG Problems with my Tubes

Am back after some long time. I tried to experiment with my tubes in parallel or series as attached but was able to keep only 1 tube on. In the attached wiring its always tube 2 which gets on. From time to time 1 can get tube 1 but for only a few seconds but then tube 2 switches on and tube 1 is off. Could it be the ballast or something else?
If i connect only one tube it works fine but for two only 1 is on.

Thanks for the help

 

[richie00boy]

Sorry my UV box is at my other house. I don't have the drawings now as I made it over 10 years ago. I just copied the smaller unit sold by RS Components. I think I only have 1 starter and the tubes are wired in parallel.

 

[zeus_threat]

Thanks again richie boy but the thing that strikes me is how it is behaving so strangely as only 1 tube is on. By the way these tubes come from an insect killer they sell at Game store here. I've lighted one of the units but its really light. I wonder if these actually use a ballast inside????? Its not worthwhile buying one to dismantle it. In case i can i'll try another ballast just to check. At worst the only choice is 4 starters, 4 ballast