Cold cathode moonlight with "parabolic" reflector

kwirky · #1 10-01-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

word of warning - don't put your magnet cleaner on or near the transformer box.

thanks for the tip, didn't know they were sensitive in that sense.

Reefer Rob · #2 10-02-2006, 12:48 AM

Has anyone tried these with a 12v power supply, or would it be too bright. This is the voltage of the yellow wire on a computer power supply.

Tarolisol · #3 10-02-2006, 01:46 AM

Very cool. I'd like to do that but electrical lights like LED and those i cant figure out.

Kabong · #4 10-02-2006, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

Has anyone tried these with a 12v power supply, or would it be too bright. This is the voltage of the yellow wire on a computer power supply.

Mine is run off a cell phone charger plug,
So techniacly it starts as 12v.
But I believe it go's through some resistors.

Reefer Rob · #5 10-02-2006, 02:16 AM

OK, I hooked it up to a an old transformer from a cordless phone. 9V, 210ma, and what do ya know, it works! Looks great with no reflector, not sure if it might be a bit too bright though.

Reefer Rob · #6 10-02-2006, 07:16 PM

I think I'd like to go with 2 tubes with a lower output from each if posible for a more even ilumination of the tank at night. Each tube is rated at 3W which means a 250MA draw at 12V. I'm trying to size a transformer to run 2 of these. If I go with a 6V transformer does anyone know if it will still draw 250MA making it 1.5W, or will it draw 500MA each?

kwirky · #7 10-02-2006, 11:23 PM

they run optimal on 12v, but it's WAY too bright.

I ran mine off 4.5V, because 9v was too bright. I think if you're using two of these lights, try to run them 3 volts each. I used a reflector on mine, because I wanted the light to be shielded from the eyes, making it easier for the eyes to adjust to the dark. I still don't have it positioned over the tank well though.

most cell phone chargers are 5v. some are 4.5v