866A or 816 mercury vapour vacuum tube

[e_fortier]

Hi

Where could I buy a pair of these in Canada?

I won’t use in an amp, simply as a nice piece of art, one on top of each speakers, the blue glow will look great and relaxing.

Thanks
Eric

 

[Enzo]

There may be regulations about hazardous materials in that they contain mercury. And I assume you are aware they will need substantial power supply to light them up?

You might find a local artist or sign shop who does neon work. Get some glass container like a wine carafe or other pleasing tube-like shape and invert it, to resemble a tube. Make a nice wooden base for this. Have the neon worker make up a little squiggle shape or other design that fits up into the glass container. Neon tubes come on other colors than orange of course. Or even a nice blue thing with part orange to resemble a heater.


I once found a glass "human head" in the store. It was used to place a wig on for storage. I then took a few strings of tiny multi-color Xmas lights that blinked and stuffed the clear head with them. I liked it, it was a thinking head in my mind. It balances my neon hot chili pepper on the other end of the shelf. (The wife has lava lamps)

 

[duncan2]

Enzo is right see US Gov.Dept -ATSDR-


ATSDR - ToxFAQs™: Mercury


And Canadian Government-


Mercury and Human Health - Canada.ca

 

[astouffer]

They also give off some pretty harsh UV light.

 

[e_fortier]

Thanks all for the replies. I should of bought them a few years back from ABCvacuumtube when they were still opened. Maybe I’ll use a few voltage regulator instead.

BR
Eric

 

[Enzo]

Sure, an 0A3 or something glows nicely.