[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: bombarder sizes


>I'm a bit confused about this.  My bomber is 10 KVA, with a 20kv secondary.
>Indeed I often reduce the pressure lower than I want - to maintain the arc
>with multiple high-footage units.  But would not the bomber's _voltage_ be
>more important here than the KVA rating?  Even with long units, I usually
>have a decent amount of headroom on my choke when pushing 500ma.
>
>Tell me if this assumption is wrong: say you had another bomber - a 15kva
>with a 20kv secondary.  Would it not have the same arc-striking performance
>as my own, only with more MA capacity?
>
>Someone (Kenny, Ted?) described a system of switches for doubling up 
Wasn't me. It sounds like the issue here applies primarily to multiple or 
exceptionally long units.  I'm not in the position where I need to quadruple 
tube the bombarder & I'm not sure I would want to keep my eye on 4 at once.  
My 12kva seems to do everything I need up to say two 10' 15mm units - with 
the exception of an occassional cold cathode that needs a full output life 
span greater than 2 or 3 years.  

When you go below theoretically correct pressure you begin to blast away at 
the trode shell while not being able to sustain a nice hot blast on the unit 
(and while attempting to outgas in the shortest interval).    This tends to 
cause snaking and diminished neon lifespan not to mention more aging hassles. 

You could probably find a formula that described the PV/T window in which  
you have 'ideal' bombarding - though I think it has an intuitive component 
as well. 

Kenny



the
>voltage on the bomber's primary - making the secondary 2x the normal
>voltage (with 1/2 the milliamps, of course).  I've thought about doubling
>up, but the thought of 40 kv is a little scary, and I would want to
>engineer-in more safety first.
>
>    -John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Kenny Greenberg   Neon Artist, Scenic Specialist, Columnist - Internet World
c/o KRYPTON NEON 34-43 Vernon Blvd Long Island City, NY 11106
      Ph: 718-728-4450   Fx: 718-728-7206  Email: kenny@neonshop.com
      http://www.neonshop.com    http://www.licweb.com