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Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 10:35 pm
by Clym5
This doesn't exactly fit into the existing wanted thread, so I thought I'd post here. Feel free to move this thread if you think it should be elsewhere, Tezza.

I've been looking around for a few months for a proper NST. I might have more of a chance here than just watching trademe.

Preferably 10kv 10mA at the least. I'm building a cathode ray tube, and I'm doing everything from the ground up. Home made vacuum pump, tube, ect. I was planning to put a variac on the mains side of the NST. I only need 2 to 5kv and 5mA, but the extra might be nice.

Anyone got a NST sitting around that they'd be willing to part with?

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 5:04 pm
by Carcenomy
Not exactly the average bear! I have one attached to my awesome neon Beck's sign, no you can't have it :D

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 5:11 pm
by Clym5
Did the NST come with the sign, or did you get it separately somewhere? If so, where might I be able to find that place?

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 5:14 pm
by Carcenomy
Yeah it was an assembled unit.

But I'd recommend looking at places that offer signage, some people still dig neons and so the products are generally still available.

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2014 5:20 pm
by Clym5
I've done a fair bit of looking, and the only ones I can find are switchmode. I'm looking for one with a massive transformer in it. The old style.

Unless I can put the switchmode NST on a variac, then it'd be fine, but I don't think I can and have it running on 80c or something and still work properly.

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:21 pm
by RdM
This stuck in my memory, and a search on "neon" found it...

I'm offering on TradeMe, a Spectronics PC-2200 Eprom Eraser.
It has two very nice, appear to be potted, 5kV transformers inside it.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listin ... 1224405466

This afternoon I took of the covers to photograph & measure their dimensions, see the updated description.

Insanely low price compared to the USD list price in the first link, but it's an oddball object & I'm badly behind on bills...

I could put a Buy Now of ~ $100 if interested.

Hmm. It's rated at 2A, 220V. Maybe that's not enough current at 5kV?

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:51 pm
by RdM
Actually 440VA at 5000V might be enough, 11mA if I have the maths right?

But I hadn't realised this:
http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2000/0 ... nsformers/

Although similar caveats may apply for mercur vapour lamps, I haven't looked in to that yet.

Re: Wanted - Neon Sign Transformer

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 9:41 pm
by Clym5
Thanks for replying to such an old post of mine! I managed to build a ~15kV power supply myself. But thank you anyway. :D