Feeler: Neon string (FINISHED)

[toked323]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

[quote author=Bionic-Badger link=1217905892/0#14 date=1217979698]How much power do these things sap?

from one supplier's datasheet, for a common type:

Current Consumption (mAmp) of 1 meter length

Voltage
VRMS 200 Hz 400 Hz 800 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz
10 0.03 0.05 0.10 0.24 0.45
80 0.25 0.50 1.00 2.40 4.70
120 0.40 0.80 1.55 3.80 7.45
160 0.57 1.15 2.20 5.35 10.55
200 0.74 1.50 2.90 7.00 13.80
240 1.07 1.89 3.55 8.75 16.90

it says here that 200V @ 4Khz will do 1,000 meters![/quote]

I use a 3Kv @ 4khz for 5ft.

This is great for cars also I did the interior of my sisters car with this stuff.

 

[el-taco]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

So like, what does this require to run off (for the electro-noobs of the site.)

Like, 9V battery, or something alot more complicated?

 

[danq]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

So like, what does this require to run off (for the electro-noobs of the site.)

Like, 9V battery, or something alot more complicated?

taco, didn't you read the first post?  "requires an inverter" for $6.50

 

[el-taco]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

[quote author=el-taco link=1217905892/0#17 date=1218017250]So like, what does this require to run off (for the electro-noobs of the site.)

Like, 9V battery, or something alot more complicated?

taco, didn't you read the first post?  "requires an inverter" for $6.50[/quote]

Yes, but I am not in knowledge of what an inverter is.

 

[danq]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

Yes, but I am not in knowledge of what an inverter is.

ah... well, let's say it's more complicated than a 9V battery ;-)

but seriously: I think it's called an inverter because it's sort of upside-down, in that it takes a small voltage and makes it bigger (whereas a 'normal' psu takes a big voltage and makes it smaller).

Basically, in this case, all it is is an oscillator (frequencies as in the table above) whose output is AC, and voltage is higher than the battery voltage (some voltages given in the table above).

edit: and I don't think it would be a good idea to just plug these into the household wall plugs... for safety reasons if nothing else - and wrong frequency too.

 

[danq]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

Here's a link to a circuit designed to run a flourescent lamp tube - it shows a very basic inverter. The circuit uses a simple 555 timer chip, which makes freq adjustment easy.

Be careful with the output, you're dealing with high voltage and it can be dangerous! Don't build this if you aren't familiar with proper safety procedures.

For low-power output, you can substitute a small transformer like this one (which comes with a very simple circuit diagram)  or this one, also with a very simple circuit

 

[toked323]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

Yea with inverters if you hold the leads close together they will for an electrical "line" aka jacobs ladder
Inverters are needed because they run on high voltage but in AC no DC voltage

 

[sk8er4514]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

looks like it's just you and me toked.... does no one else want these things? they look so cool!

could line your car underneath the dashboard & under the seats... or line the ceiling in your room... lots of different cool applications could be made with these!

 

[toked323]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

Yea many cool things can be done with these things, I put some on my bike, next up my hoodie.

Ill give this till sunday if there is no more interest then ill close this and get some for me an sk8ter4514

 

[toked323]

Re: Feeler: Neon string

Seems to be no interest so im closing this.
If anyone wants something let me know by night fall (pacific time)