Testing nixies/dekatrons/neon bulbs without powersuply

[kay486]

Hello,
i do not know if this is commonly known way to test tubes, but i discovered that you can test (to some extend) with a CRT television. Basicly you power on the tv so it gets lot of static electricity on the glass screen, then you just hower the tube with the pins slightly touching the screen while moving it all around it, be sure not to shorten out the leads with your hand! Then when you think its charged enough, you just take the tube and shorten the pins and you should see some random ionization in the tubes! I find this a really good and simple way to test the tube for any leaks when you do not have any equipment on hand.
I am not sure if it can harm the tube in any way, but i doubt it can. Maybe somebody can correct me on this.
I have tried it with quite a few tubes already and it seems to work with all nixie tubes, neon filled dekatrons (i havent tried argon ones) and even with neon bulbs!

Please let me know what you think about this!

[marta_kson]

A stone age television set and a portable power supply for it hardly
fits in the pocket or handbag, at least not in mine, but an ordinary
plastic hair comb does. That tiny little marvel does the same job for
a rough testing of neon devices for leakage.Just use it and then
discharge to the glass bulb.

[J Forbes]

One way we used to test automotive ignition systems is to hold a neon bulb (such as an NE-2) next to the spark plug wire, and see if the bulb glows.

Jim

[Dekatron42]

You can use Plasma Globes, like these ones: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novelty_plasma_lamp , they have enough energy to easily energize any gas filled tubes you want to test and they are quite cheap nowadays.

 

This way of energizing gas in a tube has been used since before the Nixies and Dekatrons were invented. You can use other high frequency energy sources too, not just CRT's and Plasma Balls.

 

/Martin

[Tidak Ada]

A blue ray apparatus does well, or even the supply of such a CCFL lamp. used without lamp.

 

eric

---

From: neoni...@googlegroups.com [mailto:neoni...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dekatron42
Sent: zaterdag 20 april 2013 10:08
To: neoni...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [neonixie-l] Re: Testing nixies/dekatrons/neon bulbs without powersuply

You can use Plasma Globes, like these ones: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novelty_plasma_lamp , they have enough energy to easily energize any gas filled tubes you want to test and they are quite cheap nowadays.

 

This way of energizing gas in a tube has been used since before the Nixies and Dekatrons were invented. You can use other high frequency energy sources too, not just CRT's and Plasma Balls.

 

/Martin

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[Sture Nystrom]

Does anyone know if the trick is possible to do with a Scopeclock?

Sture

[JohnK]

I haven't tried, but scope clock is likely a relatively low voltage compared
to TV screens.
My old 5BP1 tube works OK at less than 2kV and the old b/w TVs were say 10kV
and colour say 25kV.
John K.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sture Nystrom" <nystro...@gmail.com>
To: <neoni...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 8:54 PM
Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] Testing nixies/dekatrons/neon bulbs without
powersuply

[jf...@my-deja.com]

On Apr 19, 2:04 pm, kay486 <luckyl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Please let me know what you think about this!

I would makl one out of the HV supply in one of those elecrtonic fly
swatters. Depending on your patience waiting for discount coupons,
they cost $1.99 to $4.99 at Harbor Freight.