> I do not really understand how to use an AC voltage supply (the Neon supply > John pointed me to for example, or the inverter circuit David mentioned) with > a tube that has just one electrode. Obviously, I connect one of the wires to > the electrode, but what should I do with the second wire? I guess one of the > wires will be internally connected to GND, so just leave this one > disconnected?
You could connect it to the hilt, so the person holding it provides a counterpoise to the capacitively-coupled output. This is likely to give you the best brightness, but there might be a "zappy" feeling for someone lightly touching the hilt while it's powered up (there'd be no feeling at all when holding it firmly enough to lift it). > I asked the best Geissler-tube manufacturer in Germany if he would build me a > red (i.e. neon-filled) "saber blade" within my specifications, which he said > was possible, and he recommended a Tesla-like voltage supply like this: ebay > #360353825636. That supply is a bit bulky for your application, as well as noisy. I also suspect it would generate an uncomfortable amount of voltage. These are used for leak testing neon tubes, and, if turned up too far, can actually punch holes in the glass with the arc. I wouldn't use one of these for this purpose. > Btw, I have one of these plasma spheres at home, and they are quite easy to > obtain for little money, so it might be a good idea to get one of these and > remove the rectifier, wouldn't it? Yeah, a plasma sphere supply would likely work well, if it would physically fit. Otherwise, I'd go for one of the Ventex single-ended neon supplies or roll my own. - John -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/neonixie-l?hl=en-GB.
