How much current is that?I wanted enough current to switch a triac.
Yes, steady current, distructive testing prior to applicaton. The actual switching is a very brief 10ms pulse, maybe much less, every 1-2 seconds, which I also tried, but without a resistor, 'cause it such a short pulse. Worked for a little while, then the neon bulb started requiring a greater voltage to fire, became unreliable.Typically, in a dimmer circuit, the voltage to the DIAC is removed as soon as the TRIAC fires, so you likely could get by with a smaller resistor in the actual circuit using a neon bulb, since it would be seeing just a short current pulse.
I assume you were applying a steady 100v through the 330Ω to the neon directly for your test(?).
It should only be as long as it takes the TIRAC to fire.The actual switching is a very brief 10ms pulse, maybe much less
Without a resistor, you could be putting amps through the neon bulb.a very brief 10ms pulse, maybe much less, every 1-2 seconds, which I also tried, but without a resistor, 'cause it such a short pulse
I don't believe your question was answered.Since they're not opaque yet,
and there is no filiment to break, why are they no workie-workie?
I explained it back in post #2. Evidently I did not add enough details.I don't believe your question was answered.
It likely stopped working because the high current vaporized some of electrode metal which contaminated the neon, making it no longer conducting.
This is certainly true! That is because the external light supplies additional energy towards ionizing the neon gas. The classic example is the old neao night light that goes off in the dark, but lights when you shine a flashlight on it.Note that the Neon lamp firing voltage can display odd sensitivity to ambient light- expect the unexpected.
Dang! As I was doing an extended test, I turned my back, flipped-off the shop lights, and took dinner. Came back, peered-in on how things were going while the main overhead shop lights were still off, and was disappointed by the erratic operation.Note that the Neon lamp firing voltage can display odd sensitivity to ambient light- expect the unexpected.
Or use a piece of black shrink wrap over the bulb. You’ll probably need to paint the tip...Dang! ...
I need to paint the neon bulb black, re-calibrate, and test again...
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