0A3 Light - Page 2

ThSpeakerDude88 · 4th April 2008, 11:16 PM

why would you put it in paralell with the tube? wouldn't that short the AC line out and cause the diode to e'splode?

Tom Bavis · 4th April 2008, 11:44 PM

No, the capacitor is still in series, limiting the current. On one half-cycle, the diode conducts, and the capacitor charges. On the other half-cycle, the diode is reverse-biased, ands the capacitor discharges through the gas tube.

A surge on the power line COLUD zap the diode, so a current limiting resistor is a good idea. Of course if the diode shorts, the worst that will happen is that the bulb goes out - the capacitor still limits the current.

ThSpeakerDude88 · 5th April 2008, 01:54 AM

Like this?

Tom Bavis · 5th April 2008, 02:17 AM

Yes, that's what I tried. A resistor in series with the .47 cap is recommended. Either polarity worked for the diode - the glow concentrates at the negative termnal.

Of course the capacitor alone is simplest.

ThSpeakerDude88 · 5th April 2008, 02:49 AM

a diode and a resistor isnt much more to add to it..

The AC buzz of the tube does get a little annoying so yeah..

Any way to make it brighter btw? Is the glow only on the inside of the plate or can it be on the outside too?

G · 5th April 2008, 04:08 AM

Did you read the article I posted?

kuroguy · 5th April 2008, 03:49 PM

like I said, a series resistor and a series diode are all that are needed.

4th April 2008, 11:16 PM	#11
ThSpeakerDude88 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA	why would you put it in paralell with the tube? wouldn't that short the AC line out and cause the diode to e'splode? __________________ always preach the gospel- and when necessary use words.

5th April 2008, 01:54 AM	#13
ThSpeakerDude88 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA	Like this? __________________ always preach the gospel- and when necessary use words.

5th April 2008, 02:49 AM	#15
ThSpeakerDude88 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA	a diode and a resistor isnt much more to add to it.. The AC buzz of the tube does get a little annoying so yeah.. Any way to make it brighter btw? Is the glow only on the inside of the plate or can it be on the outside too? __________________ always preach the gospel- and when necessary use words.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My Zen-Light	skidave	Pass Labs	6	21st September 2007 11:08 AM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

4th April 2008, 11:44 PM	#12
Tom Bavis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Macedon NY	No, the capacitor is still in series, limiting the current. On one half-cycle, the diode conducts, and the capacitor charges. On the other half-cycle, the diode is reverse-biased, ands the capacitor discharges through the gas tube. A surge on the power line COLUD zap the diode, so a current limiting resistor is a good idea. Of course if the diode shorts, the worst that will happen is that the bulb goes out - the capacitor still limits the current.

5th April 2008, 02:17 AM	#14
Tom Bavis diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Macedon NY	Yes, that's what I tried. A resistor in series with the .47 cap is recommended. Either polarity worked for the diode - the glow concentrates at the negative termnal. Of course the capacitor alone is simplest.

5th April 2008, 03:49 PM	#17
kuroguy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	like I said, a series resistor and a series diode are all that are needed.

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read