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Re: NEON- Re: ...tube life...
In a message dated 96-09-26 19:48:31 EDT, you write:
<< Question: Recently I had an assumption of mine shattered, regarding tube
life: I can't remember where or how I learned it, but I've always believed
large-diameter tubes will last longer than small-diameter ones, other things
being roughly equal. I think I was told this at neon school (surprise
surprise, if it's false), but according to Dirk it's not true. Has anyone
else held / does anyone else hold this belief? Where did it originate? >>
Hey Ted, I don't know where it originated but I've always held that
assumption too.
My untrained mind thinks this way; smaller diameter tubes generally run
hotter due to less surface area for heat dispertion. this much I know from
experience, the rest here is speculation. De-gassing or shell deterioration
(or whatever causes a healthy tube to eventually expire), I assume happens
faster in a hotter tube. If this is true it would stand to reason that a
smaller diameter tube, given that all else is equal, would have a shorter
lifespan.
Looking forward to more expert commentary on this.
Tom W.
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