Re: Post-toasted neon

To: tesla-at-poodle.pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Post-toasted neon
From: Tesla List <tesla-at-stic-dot-net>
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 1997 00:13:16 -0600
Approved: tesla-at-stic-dot-net
Subject: 
        Re: Post-toasted neon
  Date: 
        Fri, 21 Mar 1997 07:15:38 -0500 (EST)
  From: 
        tesla-at-america-dot-com (Bob Schumann)
    To: 
        Tesla List <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>


[snip of smoked transformer whining]

>Perhaps this is not the information you wanted, but if there is a neon
>sign installation company somewhere near you, they likely have many
>"used, but still operational" transformers for sale at a reduced price.
>I once bought a 15KV 120ma all-weather transformer for $45.00. The
>"indoor only" types are even less expensive. Another source for these
>transformers is through liquor store owners. I have received three or
>more transformers simply by asking for the transformer from a sign that
>was broken or non-functional. Often the sign ceased to operate because
>the gas tube is over-life, not the transformer.
>Hope this helps.
>
>
>   Rick Holland
>
Rick and all,
        
        Thanks for the thought and I have done that and continue to do
it.
I have over a dozen used neon sign transformers on my porch that I have
never even tested yet. They are mostly 15kv-at-30ma. I keep getting them
from
the sign companies around town. They are all Jeffersons. The one that
smoked recently was my favorite not only becuase it was 60ma but because
it was a franceformer. Thanks to all on the list for replying. I took
the transfomer apart after I had frozen it and the potting material
came apart easily in huge chunks. This tends to make me beilieve it
is as everybody put - an insulation arc. The transformer is now 
soaking in diesel. I recovered all the case pieces, HV bushings and
mains bushings and if the transfomer is still good, Lord willing
(put in the good word for me Fr.Mcgahee ?), then I plan to put it in
a 1/2 inch plexiglass case and fill it with mineral oil. About 8 months
ago I had asked the chemical purchaser where I work at, if he could
get me a 'sample' of mineral oil. I told him what I would be using it
for. Well the 'sample' came and it was a 55 gallon drum! It is still
where I work at and I am the only one who ever uses it.
Thanks again all!

Bob Schumann

tesla-at-america-dot-com
http://www.america-dot-com/~tesla