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Bypass safeties in electronic Neon Transformer
I have a neon sign transformer that i would like to use for high voltage projects.
The problem is it has an electronic safety circuit that (I believe) checks to see if there is a neon tube is attached.
Does anyone know how to bypass the safety system? the transformer box is full of insulating tar so accessing the electronics is near impossible.
when turned on it sends out several short HV pulses and then the warning light illuminates, it seems to be searching for some type of load.
930CPX120 ALLANSON 9000V 30MA NEON TRANSFORMER,
Comments
7 months ago
I have an older FRANCE PG-1 Series neon sign transformer. It
is a type that contains a SCGFP potted module in top compartment of
transformer. There are a number of leads originating from the potted
transformer, which I am trying to identify.
3 of the leads, black, white and green, ring out as extensions from the input power
posts. This is the 120 VAC supply to the unit.
There are 4 remaining leads
(1) blue,
(1) blue with white stripe,
(1) orange,
(1)orange with black stripe
Can anyone tell me what these 4 leads do and how to
reconnect them, once the SCGFP potted module is removed.
My purpose is to convert this transformer for use as a
Fractal Wood Burning System
Thank you - Roy
4 years ago
Provide a load. This could be a resistance or reactance. I'd try wrapping wire around a lag bolt or something and putting that in your circuit.
6 years ago
Some of my neon xfmrs all work without that "electronic safety" you have in the neon xfmr you refer to.
I wonder how or where you got that xfmr ?
6 years ago
A picture would be nice.
6 years ago
Not much you can do if everything is tarred over. There are chemicals that are designed to eat away the tar, but I would imagine that they eat away the electronics as well. If it has an internal GFI, or protection circuit like that, when opening up the transformer, it may be in a separate part from the tarred transformer itself. Then you can really easily mod it. Otherwise probably not much you can do.
6 years ago
Does it do that when a neon lamp is wired to it ?
Answer 6 years ago
I don't have one to try, but i'm 99% sure the transformer is good
Answer 6 years ago
Like they Said, If it's a switching supply it needs a load to function properly, if at all
Is there a neon sign shop near you? They may be able to help you test it out >.>
6 years ago
Give it a load then.
What its trying to do is get a current to
flow. You could try and load it with a very large high voltage resistor, you have 30mA of drive capability, but see if will drive 9 meg or 1mA to begin with - you'll have to use high voltage resistors, or a big chain of lower voltage resistors. Most standard resistors are 200 V operation, so you need 41 X 220K