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Re: [Amps] Another use for Neon Lamps

To: craxd1@verizon.net
Subject: Re: [Amps] Another use for Neon Lamps
From: Jason Buchanan <jsb@digistar.com>
Date: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 08:44:42 -0500
List-post: <mailto:amps@contesting.com>
Will Matney wrote:

>Bill,
>
>We used to use a NE-2 as a tuning indicator. On a KW (about 1800 watts PEP) we 
>took two 10 pF ceramic disc caps and seriesed them (5 pF), then hooked one end 
>to the Load C, and the other to a leg of the neon bulb. The other end of the 
>neon bulb was left unconnected. As the power raised the bulb grew brighter, 
>and brighter yet on modulation. On smaller amps, we used a 10 pf to Load C 
>(300-500 watts). I wouldn't recommend using this though over a good wattmeter 
>to tune by. The same method can be used to sniff parasitics like Rich 
>mentioned by using one leg of the bulb on the probe tip and the other 
>unconnected. If there's any RF when the amp is idle, it will show it quickly. 
>You can mount the bulb on the end of a wood dowell rod, or piece of plastic 
>rod to make the probe up. Just be safe around that plate voltage.
>
>  
>

I should look at the schematic for my Drake 2-NT - it has a neon bulb 
for "tuning" - brighter is better.

-- 
73 Jason N1SU

Jason Buchanan - Boxboro, MA
Website: http://n1su.com/

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