The Neon Bulb was used to replace the incandescent bulb in electrical equipment.
First in a series of Neon Bulb projects to re-introduce the NE2 component.
110 to 125 VAC ONLY !
Here we start with the easiest circuit.
The Neon Indicator.

Update: 3/1/2013 see pictures below.

Step 1: Parts Sources:

All the parts can be had from Old junk equipment
OR
Radio Shack
OR
Mouser Electronics
OR
What ever source you normally use.

Step 2: High Voltage:

Danger High Voltage.

This is not the last word in High Voltage Safety.

Go read more about it on the World Wide Net or your public library.

Better yet, Talk to an Electrician or an Amateur Radio Operator. They know.

If you have never worked with House Current Voltage at 60 Hz. Do Not Try This.

110 to 125 volts at 60 Hz., Can Kill You by locking your muscles.

When this happens you cannot let go of the voltage source and you FRY.

If you are connected with Both Hands the current Will cross your heart and Kill You.

If you are grounded in any way when you touch the voltage source the current will Kill You.

Insulate yourself.

Wear rubber sole shoes and use a rubber mat to stand on.

Never work on charged circuits with both hands, keep one hand in your pocket at all times.

Step 3: The Schematic:

This is the schematic used to make a Neon Indicator.
Just 4 parts:

1) NE2 Bulb
2) .03uF Capacitor @ 200v.
3) 15 AWG Wire
4) 2 wire 110 to 125v American outlet plug.

This circuit is for 110 to 125 VAC ONLY !

Step 4: The Path:

Take the .03uF 200v. capacitor.
Choose a lead.

Take the NE2 Bulb.
Choose a lead.

Solder the capacitor lead to the NE2 lead.

Take the un-used capacitor lead and solder a 15 AWG wire end to it.

Take the un-used NE2 lead and solder a 15 AWG wire end to it.

Take each un-used 15 AWG wire end and tin them both with solder.

If you want to plug it into the wall outlet at this point go ahead and do it, otherwise attach a plug to the wire ends then plug it in.

Step 5: Other Interesting Neon Lamp Circuits

Update: 3/1/2013

1) Neon Lamp Blinker

2) Two Alternating Neon Lamps Blinking

3) Earth Checker

4) Fuse Monitor

These circuits were designed for use at 220V so you may have to reduce the values of the resistors to make them work on 120V.