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neon observation




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From:  Bert Hickman [SMTP:bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-com]
Sent:  Tuesday, February 17, 1998 8:50 AM
To:  Tesla List
Subject:  Re: neon observation

Tesla List wrote:
> 
> ----------
> From:  Kevin Wahila [SMTP:wawa-at-spectra-dot-net]
> Sent:  Monday, February 16, 1998 10:16 AM
> To:  tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
> Subject:  neon observation
> 
> i was testing my neon transformer out the other day and i decided to open
> up the case.  the case is about 1'x3"x3".  this transformer has three leads
> coming out of it and a wiring diagram.  the wires are labeled constant,
> long and short.  i used it with the constant as one HV line and the long
> and short together as the other.  anyway, i want to melt the tar but found
> something intersting inside.  there is a 110V 60CY 4W 12RPM motor inside.
> it has synchron in big letters on it which i assume is the brand motor.  it
> also has a date on it -- Oct. 24, 1972.  on the motor there is a circular
> fitting with three bumps, which when rotates, seperates the contacts on two
> metal strips.  i am guessing that perhaps this was a way of getting a
> section of the neon sign to blink.  i think that maybe between the constant
> and long connections was a neon tube, and between the constant and short
> there was a seperate tube which blinked.  does this sound like a logical
> conclusion?  also, if i do proceed to melt the tar would anyone forsee any
> problems with this alternately configured transformer?
> 
> thanks,
> Kevin

Kevin,

Sounds like your transformer has an integral timer-switch which outputs
both constant and "blinking" high voltage. If you're going to depot the
unit, I'd remove the motor-switch assembly, since it has no value in
your Tesla Coil application. Whether you do so before or after trying to
unpot the unit is your option...

-- Bert --