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connecting cold cathode to external power adapter

B

bpimmerman

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Dec 5, 2001
Messages
1,067
I have a variable power adapter from Radio shack that i want to connect my cold cathode too. I have two questions if someone could be so kind:

1) Just to check, I use 12v?

2) I need to cut the cable from the adapter, how can I tell which is neutral and which is hot? If i mess that up will i hurt myself or the cathode?

Thanks for your help.

 
bpimmerman said:
I have a variable power adapter from Radio shack that i want to connect my cold cathode too. I have two questions if someone could be so kind:

1) Just to check, I use 12v?

2) I need to cut the cable from the adapter, how can I tell which is neutral and which is hot? If i mess that up will i hurt myself or the cathode?

Thanks for your help.

Click to expand...

1) YES 12v ONLY and it has to be DC power not AC like from your wall.
2) Easy Way to test it would be with a multimeter.
The last thing you want to do is reverse to polarity. My friend burned his computer up because of that exact problem.
 
Just so we're clear...you still need the inverter board if you're going to use a typical "wall wart" AC-DC adapter.
 
yes, it has an inverter with it.

is it ok to undervolt it? it seems to just dim when i reduce the voltage, is that bad? the 12v might be too bright.

 
yes
in fact you must undervolt it, or it will not last long at 12 Vdc.
I've got a 30 cm CCFL connected (with inverter) to a adjustable AC-DC adapter, and it's set at 6Vdc.
Or put 2 CCFL's in serie, that adds up to 12Vdc, with a nice brightness.

Grtz
 
you might not want to under volt your cold cathodes: as decreasing the voltage increases the current it draws. running at 6v means twice the current running through its cheaply made components. if any of you remember the "inverter rant" just think of that.

they will actually last longer at 12v.
 
well not to get into a debate, but i solved the brightness problem another way - i wraped some tinfoil around the ends . Worked like a charm, and I can keep it at stock voltage. I looks mighty pretty above my fish tank.


 
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