Re: [TCML] Measuring Amperage in Neon Discharges.

[davep@xxxxxxxx]

> Finally, mustn't it be true that since the neon discharge has both a
> voltage across it and and amperage consumption, by Ohms law it must have
> an acting resistance in the thousands of ohms?
    Ohms law applies to metallic conductors.  Developed for them,
    works for them.  Neon (and other gaseous conductors) are not
    metallic conductors.  They are ionized gases.  Different
    rules.

> I realize that the neon discharge may
    Does.

> have a non-linear resistance according the the voltage imparted across
> it, and that 12 inch bulbs only have 500-600 volts across them during
> ionization; but where does the idea of a negative resistance occur,
    In an ionized gas, more current increases the conductivity,
    allowing more current to flow, allowing more current to flow...
    (repeat until destroyed....).  Unless.  Current supply is
    current limited:  transformer design in NST, ballast in
    fluorescent lights, etc.  ASSUMING a constant voltage source,
    the increasing current will decrease the 'resistance' of
    the arc path: negative resistance.  (Entire books have been
    written on designing and using 'gaseous (ionized...)
    conductors'.)

> if these parameters show the the neon discharge resistance must be
> in thousands of ohms?
    The operative word is 'if'.  As to measuring primary currents,
    etc, the relation between primary currents and secondary
    currents gets non obvious in current limited transformers....
    best
     dwp

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