HELP: how to test my neon power supply - Audio & Electronics Forum

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HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Sunday, April 03, 2005 4:57 PM
what would you set your meter at to test how much if any power was coming from the amplifier for neons? my car kit quit on me, i have checked and changed the fuse. i did have three bulbs working for 30+ min , then after the i reinstalled the forth tube it blew the fuse. so i do have a short to find there, but i now cannot get the other three to light, and the fuse is good. now I'm wondering if i fried the power sully which is why i want to test it, if its bad I'll just get a replacement.




Re: HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Sunday, April 03, 2005 5:15 PM
Most neon inverters are in the 1000-2000 volt range. Big ones for big neon signs are around 5000V. Good zap if you touch the wires when its plugged in Thankfully, not a high amperage, so you usually walk away.. after you wake up, that is




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Re: HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Sunday, April 03, 2005 5:19 PM
would you say thats per channel of total? i.e. 1000 total 250 per tube?



Re: HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Sunday, April 03, 2005 5:21 PM
forgot to mention my meter is an analog, its old school like me, however its NOT the $9.99 walmart deals.



Re: HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Sunday, April 03, 2005 9:04 PM
hey, I got my grandfather's old Amprobe meter, and it still works just fine. Granted, my multimeter is a bit easier to use...


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Re: HELP: how to test my neon power supply
Monday, April 04, 2005 6:06 PM
My neons were 10,000 volts. If one of your wires is shorting to your frame... youd have thousands of volts shorting to your 12 volt system. Trust me, youd know if thet were the problem.

Simplest way to check is to disconnect the high voltage end of the transformer and turn it on, see if you hear a buzz.

Also, with the bare ends of the high voltage wires, and a SMALL (2A) fuse on the 12v end, put about an eigth inch of water in a plastic cup/container. put the high volt wires into the conatiner (preferrably, for safety... dont touch and move the wires, only the container). If you hear and or see pop/smoke/bang/bam from the end of the wires, or the 12 volt fuse, your good.

^^ Id wait on someone elses comment before I'd try that one though, I dunno if that would blow the transformer. But Im pretty sure it should work.

Also, I know Jason at aPlusPerformance sells replacemnt transformers and tubes, if that is your problem.


 
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