Cold Cathode vs. Neon

[donny_paycheck]

I just got a cold cathode light from Plycon today and after looking at it I can't see the difference between this type and regular neon aside from the CC being made for computers and the latter for autos.

They both use small high voltage drivers, they both have electrodes at both ends, they both put out pretty much the same amount of light and they're both low-intensity gas discharge devices. As for a cold cathode, both lamps use one. Neither use a heater in their cathode and neither have since their inception.

So what's the big deal? Do CCs use less power? Are they smaller? Do they in turn generate less heat? If any of these are true then I've missed 'em.

[Oni]

They say that they generate less heat, but when I had my neon (it died. Long story) it didn't produce much heat. Not enough to raise my case temperature.

[donny_paycheck]

Originally posted by Oni
They say that they generate less heat, but when I had my neon (it died. Long story) it didn't produce much heat. Not enough to raise my case temperature.

The only thing I've noticed is that the kit I got was easier to install, it being made for PCs and all.

[el]

well they are brighter, smaller, cooler, and use only about 3watts of 12volt DC! now that is better tahn a neon in all ways! just compare the two if you have a neon it is not even half as bright as a cc.

[kronchev]

a CC putting out the same amount of light as a neon?

BWAHAHAH!!!

CC's are much, much brighter than a neon, and theyre cheaper. the heat thing is a myth cause theyre both cool to the touch. no idea on power consumption tho.

youre thinking too technical. the theory is similar between the two, but they produce different results.

[donny_paycheck]

Yeah, no differences worth writing home about other than brightness. Red neons are really bright though cuz they don't use phosphor coating so maybe that's why I'm not noticing.

[RoadWarrior]

I think the eyes are a little more sensitive at the red end of the spectrum compared to the blue end, so a bluish light probably has to be somewhat higher output to look as bright as a red light....

For a typical small 8-10inch tube, your neon will probably be about 12W while the cold cathode might be 30W or so, so for that much more light even though you might not percieve the higher output due to color difference, you get about the same "feeling" heat. The cold cathode lamps are a bit more efficient.

Road Warrior

[donny_paycheck]

Originally posted by RoadWarrior
I think the eyes are a little more sensitive at the red end of the spectrum compared to the blue end, so a bluish light probably has to be somewhat higher output to look as bright as a red light....

For a typical small 8-10inch tube, your neon will probably be about 12W while the cold cathode might be 30W or so, so for that much more light even though you might not percieve the higher output due to color difference, you get about the same "feeling" heat. The cold cathode lamps are a bit more efficient.

Road Warrior

Sounds good. I like your avatar...AWESOME flick!

[Oni]

My neon was a 10", 12 volt. I had to splice it into my 12v rail w/ a fan connector I clipped off of an 80mm I bought for a buck. Worked great for 2 weeks, then it died.

[el]

cc last longer too. Scorpion worked in Vegas and said most are switching to cc cuz they don't crap out as often as neons.

[Oni]

I guess I'll have to find some CC. Does anybody know where I can buy them in Canada?

[el]

i would look at bgmicro they probably will if you call them.

[WyrmMaster]

Originally posted by Oni
I guess I'll have to find some CC. Does anybody know where I can buy them in Canada?

EBAY

there is atleast one person on ebay selling cold cathode lights, priceing is quite reasonable, and they probably will ship to canada.

[Element-Xero]

i agree. I got my cc off ebay for 17 bucks!

blue 12" cathode, rocker switch, and inverter.

ebay still has its obscure uses ;)

[pogue1000]

what bout the sound activated neon>>>

how does this looK