View Full Version : Questions about Cold Cathodes
Ok I'm going to try to use some cold cathodes to add a little flair to my room. I have some pictures of examples that I'll put at the end.
What do I need to power the cathodes? I'm going to buy them from here: http://xoxide.com/coldcathodes.html and I don't know what they plug into. I've never worked with lights before. I think I need some sort of power supply (with a switch preferably so I can turn them off) and then plug the cathodes into it and mount them in different places.
THIS IS NOT MY ROOM!!!!!:
Example of what I kinda want to do (the lights underneath the table is what I want):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/P4300848.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032111.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032112.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032107.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032108.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032109.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032110.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032115.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/Tman52/Peoples%20setups/PB032118.jpg
millhouse
12-05-05, 07:20 PM
Holy crap thats awesome!
Well AFAIK they plug into 4 pin molexs, but i dont really know what to do with that setup.
Would that be a 4 pin molex power supply? I heard that somewhere but I couldn't find any. And when I have the cathodes do they just plug right into that? Where can I find one?
Edit: Not sure but after browsing xoxide.com I think that the cathodes plug in with 4 pin connectors to a regular pc power supply. Am I right?
millhouse
12-05-05, 07:52 PM
Well... from the little that i know...
Cold cathode --> Inverter --> PSU (any 4 pin molex)
Any cold cathode kit (like the ones on xoxide) will come with everything you need to hook them up. All you need to do is figure out how to get power to them.
Plus, you might be able to get one of these.
http://www.xoxide.com/pci-power-bracket1.html
... and possibly plug them through that.
Edit: Not sure but after browsing xoxide.com I think that the cathodes plug in with 4 pin connectors to a regular pc power supply. Am I right?
yep.
So if I understand this right (which I probably don't, first time with lights).
I get the cold cathodes, http://xoxide.com/bluecathode.html and I can simply plug them into a regular power supply? And I'm guessing with this, http://www.xoxide.com/pci-power-bracket1.html I can plug in an extra 3?
millhouse
12-05-05, 08:01 PM
So if I understand this right (which I probably don't, first time with lights).
I get the cold cathodes, http://xoxide.com/bluecathode.html and I can simply plug them into a regular power supply? And I'm guessing with this, http://www.xoxide.com/pci-power-bracket1.html I can plug in an extra 3?
Yep. With one of those PCI power brackets, you'd be able to run three inverters from that which is a total of 6 cathodes (2 per inverter).
Thanks for the help. I'll order the cathodes and power supply as soon as I can and get some pics up.
I got this power supply:
http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-uvblue-450-mdpsu.html
There is a big discount on sunbeam items, it's blue (the theme I'm going with), and it should be more than enough to power stuff. It has 6 4-pin connectors so I can add on later (I have some big plans)
millhouse
12-05-05, 08:22 PM
Actually, these Laser LEDs would probably work better, and are cheaper.
http://www.xoxide.com/lazerled.html
edit: has a molex pass through so that you can link them into a chain. Hope im not too late BTW. :)
edit2: either way will work though.
well now that i know your going with cathodes... GOOD LUCK! :) :cool:
thats incredible. what are you running at your home, a cyber cafe?
Turtle Shell
12-06-05, 03:48 AM
thats..................:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: times like a xziloihfiwgfuvccvuuiacvu
Those pics aren't mine so don't think that lol. That's how my room will look in a few weeks though.
They don't have to be plugged into molex connectors. I run all my cold cathodes off of my fan controllers. Power is power......
i do that. just short the green and black 20 pin cable. plug em in and run it. done.
i do that. just short the green and black 20 pin cable. plug em in and run it. done.
Yeah that's how I would do it too. Putting them on rheostats would probably be the best way to control them. You could change the brightness and turn them all off if you wanted. Just get a rheostat that does 0-12v, such as the sunbeam one. You could run all of them off one knob on your desk or something if you wanted to but just make sure that the rheostat is a high enough wattage to support the cold cathodes. They're a low-draw component so it probably wont be a big deal anyway.
Just get an old AT psu from an old 486/pentium comp and it won't have to be jumped and most have a nice switch built right in... and best of all, I'm sure if you ask around you could get one for FREE.
Yeah that's how I would do it too. Putting them on rheostats would probably be the best way to control them. You could change the brightness and turn them all off if you wanted. Just get a rheostat that does 0-12v, such as the sunbeam one. You could run all of them off one knob on your desk or something if you wanted to but just make sure that the rheostat is a high enough wattage to support the cold cathodes. They're a low-draw component so it probably wont be a big deal anyway.
Yea. i just don't want to spend the money for a rheostat. but it would work just fine.
millhouse
12-06-05, 05:39 PM
Sunbeam makes a nice Light controller.
Kill_A._Byte
12-06-05, 06:47 PM
When your done keep an eye on the inverters. Check them periodically. Some tend to get hot. :mad:
lemings
12-06-05, 07:53 PM
Whoever that is, dose one heck of a job routing wires ;). I don't think I have ever seen a wiring job that clean before.
subtotal
12-06-05, 08:25 PM
wow thats a great idea... i'd been wondering waht to do with those CCs i had in my parts drawer...
Just to add another option. You can run cold cathodes without a computer. Just pick up a wall adaptor to 12V DC convertor ($5 or $15 if you go to radioshack), and splice the connections to a molex connector. Add a switch or even a toggle (for different colors).
navig
example, notice here, my computer is off, but my cathodes are on:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v363/navig/Lubic%20Tall/Removablemotherboardtray.jpg
edit again:
for example
12V 800mA adaptor (http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G8335&variation=&aitem=20&mitem=23)
plus
4 position switch (http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G1624&variation=&aitem=5&mitem=5)
=
dial in your color!
millhouse
12-06-05, 09:29 PM
You should set em up to go along with some songs. :eh?: :cool:
Jeff Moser
12-06-05, 10:02 PM
Plug in AC adapter for cold cathode kits Here (http://cool-cases-usa.com/Zen-Cart-v1.2.4/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19&products_id=183) site also has cathodes in all sizes and colors 6.50 for dual kits
JTanczos
12-10-05, 09:54 PM
As neat as that PSU is, at 500ma you would need many of them to have enough power. From that I understand dual CCFLs use ~667-708ma or 8-8.5 watts. I dont think I would take anything under 1 amp to power 2 lamps.
I have 6amp 12 volt power supplies powering my external CCFL lamps. ;)
JT
Jeff Moser
12-10-05, 10:17 PM
Depends on brand Sunbeam and Logysis claim to draw .5 ma. on a dual kit.
peterrastall
12-15-05, 12:55 PM
Wow... I want one. Any idea where I can get one of those AC adaptors to a molex in the UK?
They're pretty trivial to make. You just choose an appropriate wall adaptor and splice it to a molex end. If you want to be ghetto, all you need are scissors and electrical tape. To make it professional, add solder and heatshrink!
If you absoutely want a premade version, and nobody here can find one, I'm sure all the UK posters at bittech would be able to find one for you.
zebkoolindc
12-15-05, 06:52 PM
I bought a 10v dc power plug at radio shack and it out puts 14.1V. They are unregulated so at low loads they output higher voltage. Don't know if that matters for lights though.
-maddog-
12-19-05, 08:26 PM
Off topic somewhat but do cold cathode tubes contain radioactve matereals?
princeofdarknes
12-19-05, 08:50 PM
Off topic somewhat but do cold cathode tubes contain radioactve matereals?
I HIGHLY doubt it, i'm 90% sure that they dont. I broke a white one recently (eh) kinda upset me but i'm ok. Even if they did, it would be so minute, so miniscule, that it wouldnt hurt you. You'd hear about cancer stories from people who cover their room with them if they did.
Jeff Moser
12-19-05, 10:58 PM
Off topic somewhat but do cold cathode tubes contain radioactve matereals?
Only the ones made in North Korea and Iran. (jusy kidding)
I would have to say no.
-maddog-
12-20-05, 09:12 AM
Only the ones made in North Korea and Iran. (jusy kidding)
I would have to say no.
Ok, read somthing about cathodes, but was a bit outdated.
squasher
12-20-05, 09:30 AM
Another question:
do you want to string ccfls in series or parallel? Does it even matter?
wow.. thats soo hot..
props to the guy who did that >.>
i wish i had that kinda room..
syrian_gamer
01-08-06, 09:32 PM
ok i have a question, lets say i have a very old psu, could i plug in the cathodes to a psu and have it laying on the floor? how will the psu turn on if there is no motherboard attatched? i would rather just use a psu that i have lying around to hook all these cathodes around. is there any way i could mod the psu to turn automaticly on when the back switch is on?
ok i have a question, lets say i have a very old psu, could i plug in the cathodes to a psu and have it laying on the floor? how will the psu turn on if there is no motherboard attatched? i would rather just use a psu that i have lying around to hook all these cathodes around. is there any way i could mod the psu to turn automaticly on when the back switch is on?
An old AT psu would have a mechanical ON/OFF switch... ie, its not signalled to turn on by the motherboard. Most of the time this switch is on a cable about 12 or 18" long, so you could just mount it somewhere easily accessable.
With an ATX psu, all you need to do is short the green wire in the mobo plug to any ground and it will turn on... very easy to make a switch to do that.
Mark620
01-08-06, 10:02 PM
CCFL use the 5 or 12 volt rail, I have seen both.
could use this for 5VDC:
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PS-637/480/5V_8A,_3.3V_4A,_2.5V_2A_POWER_SUPPLY_.html
12 volt power supply:
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PS-1231/480/12_VDC_3.5_AMP_POWER_SUPPLY_.html
Mark620
01-08-06, 10:05 PM
Another question:
do you want to string ccfls in series or parallel? Does it even matter?
NO you will not get enough power from an inverter. they are designed to run one or two tubed in parallel only.
syrian_gamer
01-08-06, 10:23 PM
An old AT psu would have a mechanical ON/OFF switch... ie, its not signalled to turn on by the motherboard. Most of the time this switch is on a cable about 12 or 18" long, so you could just mount it somewhere easily accessable.
With an ATX psu, all you need to do is short the green wire in the mobo plug to any ground and it will turn on... very easy to make a switch to do that.
ya im talking about an old atx power supply, so can i just sodder a wire from the green wire to i duno the black or red wire on the 20pin connector? if so then to turn it off i have to use the switch in the back :cool: ?
im getting so many ideas from this. ill make a bunch of switches and mount them on my desk to control the 3 colours or something.
topic creator look what you have started. modifying our desks :shrug: hey if it looks good its fine by me;)
*Edit* ok so this is what im planning to do. guys correct me if im doing sometihng very stupid.
1. take an old psu, plug the green wire into another coloured wire on the same plug? can i cut all the cables from the 20pin mobo that im not going to use? :shrug:
2. im assuming/hopeing that the cathode tubes have a male/female connector port so you dont loose a 4 pin connector? so i would plug 2 of each colour onto an individual 4 pin connector and make a switch along the circuit so that i dont have to turn the psu off i can control each colour.
does that sound like a good plan? im gona make a hole in my desk and fix these switches on it lol :p
syrian_gamer
01-08-06, 11:00 PM
here incase no1 could unserstand what im trying to do i drew a picture :shrug:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2780/cathodes1xy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
incase the image doesnt show :shrug: http://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cathodes1xy.jpg
FlailBoy
01-09-06, 12:16 PM
They don't have to be plugged into molex connectors. I run all my cold cathodes off of my fan controllers. Power is power......
How about a transformer for an electric train set? Variable power built in and 12v DC out.
SolidxSnake
01-09-06, 03:02 PM
Just to add another option. You can run cold cathodes without a computer. Just pick up a wall adaptor to 12V DC convertor ($5 or $15 if you go to radioshack), and splice the connections to a molex connector. Add a switch or even a toggle (for different colors).
navig
example, notice here, my computer is off, but my cathodes are on:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v363/navig/Lubic%20Tall/Removablemotherboardtray.jpg
edit again:
for example
12V 800mA adaptor (http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G8335&variation=&aitem=20&mitem=23)
plus
4 position switch (http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G1624&variation=&aitem=5&mitem=5)
=
dial in your color!
I'll paint a picture real fast using my idea
What my idea is, is to get a 12v DC adapter, with a good amount of amperage (enough to run however many cathodes you need). Calculate how many converters you'll need, and then the amperage pull. Then buy one female molex connector for every converter you have. Get some wire as well. Then, make a simple PCB circuit (a little soldering). Solderless breadboard might work also. I'd use simple breadbord to solder to. A diagram is attached.
This method keeps the inverters intact, and doesn't require messing up their wires.
Plus, this circuit (if you would even call it that) is very easily mountable, low profile, and you can add other effects to it easy (switches, rheostats to change brightness, build your own circuit to make your own flashing patterns etc.)
Electron Chaser
01-09-06, 03:12 PM
Off topic somewhat but do cold cathode tubes contain radioactve matereals?
No!!!
Pertaining to the original thread there are about a dozen different ways to set these up. If you would like I could probably draw up a quick print for you. On another note have you thought about buying these lights from an auto parts store. The ground effects lights for cars are much bigger and brighter and will therefore give a more even glow from under the desk. They are not that expensive either and in addition to all of the above they also run off of 12 VDC. So you could power the entire setup off of a seperate AT or ATX PSU and use a toggle switch to turn it off and on.
millhouse
01-09-06, 05:15 PM
Glen where are ya? Im still waiting to see this awesome thing setup! :santa:
dlavrenz
01-14-06, 09:03 PM
Have you ever thought about using rope lighting. It would be a whole lot easier because you can just plug it into a wall socket. Here are some pics of rope lighting in my house. The glow above the cabinets and below the bar are both achevied using rope lighting. Sorry about the low pic quality.
Here are some other pics on the internet
Link 1 (http://www.purplebuses.com.au/images/C37%20Rope%20Lights.JPG)
Link 2 (http://www.northwood-marine.com/sample.html)
Link 3 (http://wiedamark.com/ebay/av_spherical_bar.jpg)
P.S. How do you get the pictures to pop up in the forum instead of as attachments?
Susquehannock
01-16-06, 01:22 AM
^^^ - Just what I was thinking. Have seen some neat things done with rope lighting.
http://www.noveltylights.com/Rope_light2.htm
Would be less work, and probably cheaper, to go with a 120V option instead.
very cool room pictures, thats an awesome idea
Pie-rate
01-16-06, 05:07 AM
Damn I need to put some of my collection of LEDs to some use...
I'm gonna light something up like a christmas tree :D
Ooh another idea: use christmas lights under the desk :santa:
edit: I think I have some digital VU meter chips lying around too!! amazing what you can find in an electronics lab with $400 in parts...
edit2 http://jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=24256 I THINK.
syrian_gamer
03-11-06, 09:56 PM
An old AT psu would have a mechanical ON/OFF switch... ie, its not signalled to turn on by the motherboard. Most of the time this switch is on a cable about 12 or 18" long, so you could just mount it somewhere easily accessable.
With an ATX psu, all you need to do is short the green wire in the mobo plug to any ground and it will turn on... very easy to make a switch to do that.
first off, sorry for bumping a 20yr old topic. second which colour is the grounding wire :shrug:
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