Blue Cathode...Moon Lights on a Budget!!!

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but that little ballast converts the voltage once again for the cold cathode to an extremely high voltage yet very low amperage, yes? I forget exactly how the thermodynamics pan out on it, but I do remember getting into a lengthy discussion with a buddy of mine about the mechanics of cold cathode lights.

I myself have wanted to utilize a small cold cathode light as a "moonlight" for my aquarium... and fortunately for me, I have both a 6" automotive cold cathode light, and a portable spotlight with a 12v outlet on it. I just might have to test it out tonight and see how it turns out. :) For long term use, I could get an inverter which will convert to the little 12v cigarette lighter plugs and plug the automotive ones directly into that. Little more expensive, but saves me some work. Heck, the automotive ones even have screw loops on the ends so you could screw it into a canopy if need be... though I personally don't have one. I might have to build something to house them in to keep it just lighting my aquarium and not my whole bedroom..... :-\
 
Oh yeah, and masking tape will drastically dull the brightness but not eliminate it.

The plastic cord holders fit nicely around the tubes to secure them down.
 
check out the red

bought a 12" red cathode kit from ebay for $8.00, used a old 12v 2.8 amp plugin i had laying around.

2196997942_5865d162e0_o.jpg
 
if the lights are on in the kitchen you cant even tell there is a red light on in the tank.

you have to have all the lights out in the house. that pic i took is still a little over exposed.
 
so if i got this
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029977.html
i can just plug it right into
12" Dual Lamp Blue Cold Cathode Kit( The cheapest I found was on eBay $2.95 + 6.00 Shipping)

and i wont need to wire it, just plug it in and mount it?
and will i need one or two of the supplies form "coolerguys" web site for the e-bay kit.

Thanks Tim.
 
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I had a bunch of those cathode kits laying around so i used a computer power supply (250w) and used the 12v lines to power a bunch of cathode kits to decorate my room.
there are some very cheap computer power supplies out there that make dedicated 12v power supplies just look absurd in cost comparison.
 
timinny said:
so if i got this
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556029977.html
i can just plug it right into
12" Dual Lamp Blue Cold Cathode Kit( The cheapest I found was on eBay $2.95 + 6.00 Shipping)

and i wont need to wire it, just plug it in and mount it?
and will i need one or two of the supplies form "coolerguys" web site for the e-bay kit.

Thanks Tim.
Click to expand...

i would suggest on just buying one local, could probably get it cheaper. maybe find a pawn shop or a used electronics store.

that one will only work if you cut the end off and splice it to the cathode connector. the cathodes have a computer fan looking plug. the kit from ebay will come with an adapter that has bare ends.

buy this kit from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DUAL-12-ULTRA-B...ryZ66954QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
gatotsu77 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but that little ballast converts the voltage once again for the cold cathode to an extremely high voltage yet very low amperage, yes? I forget exactly how the thermodynamics pan out on it, but I do remember getting into a lengthy discussion with a buddy of mine about the mechanics of cold cathode lights.

I myself have wanted to utilize a small cold cathode light as a "moonlight" for my aquarium... and fortunately for me, I have both a 6" automotive cold cathode light, and a portable spotlight with a 12v outlet on it. I just might have to test it out tonight and see how it turns out. :) For long term use, I could get an inverter which will convert to the little 12v cigarette lighter plugs and plug the automotive ones directly into that. Little more expensive, but saves me some work. :-\
Click to expand...

radioshack or the net for those ac to dc converters. less than $10 and walmart or car parts store for the cigarette adapters.

http://www.oznium.com/ was planning and likely one day will buy from them. i emailed them and even though they don't have a store front they will be more than happy to let you in the warehouse with an email ahead of time.

i have dual 12" whites in my trunk.

here's the specs of the 6" blue by Vastech (from FRY's).
Lamp diameter> 3mm
Supply Voltage> 620v
Lamp Current> 5ma
Brightness> 30,000cd/UF
average life> 30,000hrs

so the ballast does kick it up higher. you can remove the cube ends if you want but i'd protect them from moisture with something.

edit> just saw that coolguy molex power adapter, up to 5 fans, thats freakin sweat.
 
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if i got this kit
i would suggest on just buying one local, could probably get it cheaper. maybe find a pawn shop or a used electronics store.

that one will only work if you cut the end off and splice it to the cathode connector. the cathodes have a computer fan looking plug. the kit from ebay will come with an adapter that has bare ends.

buy this kit from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DUAL-12-ULTRA-BR...QQcmdZViewItem

would i need to get anything else to hook it up, im dumb with wires, thanks
Tim
 
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