Re: solid state transformers

To: neon-l@netcom.com
Subject: Re: solid state transformers
From: kenny@neonshop.com (Kenneth Greenberg)
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 1995 10:37:08 -0400
Reply-To: neon-l@netcom.com
Sender: owner-neon-l@netcom.com
I think the lowest I've seen neonix is in the $60 range. 

re: powering at diffrent voltages - that's a whole discussion thread in and
of itself.

First off, we have to look at how well made the sign is, how long it has
been operating, how clean it is, if it is mounted with minimal inductive
linkage, & whether or not the original size on the sign was correct.  I've
seen many production signs which to me appear as though they were designed
to degrade to the level where the current destroys the transformer within
about 2 years. On the other hand, I have working beer signs over 40 years old.

Back to loading - better to underload (i.e. higher voltage rating) than to
underload.  The quick & simple explanation is that the transformer's
insulation  can handle the  excess heat better than it can the spiking
voltages. 

Often older signs need the next transformer up.  I miss the old France 10k
transformer. 10k can also be acheived with an Oil burner ignition
transformer, but they are ugly .

Many solid states auto adjust within the 4k to 9k range. This has the unique
disadvantage of daunting a dimmer and the advantage in some instances
(Allanson for sure) of creating a quick & dirty scripting effect. 

Simpson makes AC ammeters with ranges between 0 to 50mA, 0 to 100mA, & 0 to
1000mA.  It may seem strange that you can place a delicate ammeter (in
series) on a high voltage line - but as I'm sure you know, only a minute
amount of current is used in the meter circuit.  The issue simply becomes
the power rating of the limiting resisters. In this case it doesn't care if
it is VpIp or VsIs which are about the same.

Kenny

 
 

>~ 
>~ 
>Just curious - what are the costs of these (Neonix) units?  I have an old beer
>sign with a bad transformer, and I was thinking of using a solid-state unit.
>I have been quoted around $100.00 for a solid state unit (brand unknown)
>from a local sign shop.  I can get a used conventional step-up unit for
>around $25.00.  The use of the sign would be very minimal, and I would
>like the weight savings of a solid-state transformer, but I cannot justify
>the extra cost.
>
>Also, the original transformer was a 9000 unit.  Does it hurt the tube to
>use a 7500?  Or a 12000?  What type of ammeter do I use to test the
>secondary current (I was told to use 24 ma. as a current goal)?
>
>- Bruce
>
>--
>-----------------------------------------------------
><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>-----------------------------------------------------
>               Bruce A. Bowling
>  Staff Scientist - Instrumentation and Controls
> The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility
>    12000 Jefferson Ave - Newport News, VA 23602
>                 (804) 249-7240
>                bowling@cebaf.gov  
>        http://devserve.cebaf.gov/~bowling
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><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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>
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    gopher://gopher.panix.com:70/11/nyart