Cold cathode question

Vaio · Sep 20, 2006

I have a project going at the moment that will require me to run two dual cold cathode kits from a wall plug. I have an inverter that puts out 12v dc 300mA. Would this be enough to run the two kits? I would most likely be using the Cooler Master Ultra Aurora kits, if that makes a difference. If this will not be enough, if someone knows of where I could find a cheap inverter that would power them, I would greatly appreciate a link to it.

Thanks,
Vaio

dogbert_2001 · Sep 20, 2006

If you're running it from the wall, can't you skip the whole converter(ACtoDC)/inverter(DCtoAC) crap since the lights need AC power anyway?

300mA for 4 cathodes? I don't think so. You can use any PC power supply just by shorting two pins.

Vaio · Sep 20, 2006

I can't use a PSU for this, as I don't have an extra one. Also I don't think the inverter works like that. I think it ramps the voltage way up to power the cathodes.

four4875 · Sep 21, 2006

budget? caus geeks.com has some apower 400 watt for like $13.

other than that... i dont think 300 ma will be enough, to be sure if you have a multi meter set it to current and cut the positive wire and put the probes to each side (Refer to MM instructions) and set it to A / mA and measure it, then multiply by 2 and thats how much current youll need from the power supply.

Vaio · Sep 21, 2006

I was kinda hoping to stick to just the cost of the cathodes, but I might have to consider that. I'll just have to make a remote switch for it, and find somewhere to mount it. If I were to buy or find a useable PSU, would it be ok to just cut the two wires that you need to jump to fire it up, and solder a switch in there?

dogbert_2001 · Sep 22, 2006

Yes, the switch would be fine.

L337 M33P · Sep 23, 2006

Um, don't cathodes themselves run at like 300V? Miniscule current of course. Are you using the inverter that came with them (12V input)?

four4875 · Sep 23, 2006

referring to the cold cathodes as kits, i assumed so.

Vaio · Sep 23, 2006

L337 M33P said:
Um, don't cathodes themselves run at like 300V? Miniscule current of course. Are you using the inverter that came with them (12V input)?

Yes. I was looking to wire them into an inverter that plugs into the wall, so I could just run them like that, instead of setting up a PSU for it.

Cold cathode question

Vaio

Member

dogbert_2001

Member

Vaio

Member

four4875

Member

Vaio

Member

dogbert_2001

Member

L337 M33P

Member

four4875

Member

Vaio

Member

Similar threads