[Amps] help with corona discharge

[Pat Barthelow]

I first interpreted the comment on the blue glow observation, as meaning the glow is in the air out side the tube body, but now realize that what you are probably seeing is Cerenkov radiation generated inside the ceramic between the plate and the next structure of the tube.  And apparently being bright enough to illuminate the areas around the tube.   The cathode electrons accelerating to the plate approach the speed of light, and some splash, bounce into, or otherwise impact the ceramic, and the forced quick deceleration of the electrons down to the speed of light in the ceramic,  generates the blue Cerenkov radiation.  It is kind of like breaking the sound barrier phenom in air, very weird things happen and you see energy in various forms emitted.

Here is a picture of Cerenkov radiation in Water moderator/coolant of fuel rods in a Nuke Reactor:





http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Image:TrigaReactorCore.jpeg








All the best,   Pat Barthelow   aa6eg at k6bj.org 
Jamesburg Moon Bounce Team

http://www.jamesburgdish.org> From: cherokeehillfarm at earthlink.net
> To: asciibaron at comcast.net; k7fm at teleport.com
> Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:55:26 -0500
> CC: amps at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [Amps] help with corona discharge
> 
> Every Commander amp that I have added QSK and vacuum relays to has had the
> blue glow when looking through the cooling fins..
> 
> The three holer on my desk, with brand new 3cpx800 tubes, glows blue.  The
> ten year old 3cx800 tubes also glow blue.
> 
> The tubes are full output, and there is no issue.  I believe the glow which
> appears when cut off bias is removed, may be dependant upon the trace
> elements in the ceramic, with different types of ceramic producing somewhat
> different colors.
> 
> Your amp is fine, you don't need to worry, just operate.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Mike
> W2AJI
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Steven Hanlon" <asciibaron at comcast.net>
> To: "k7fm" <k7fm at teleport.com>
> Cc: <amps at contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:28 AM
> Subject: Re: [Amps] help with corona discharge
> 
> 
> > > Are you, by chance, operating at 20,000 feet?
> >
> > nope, about 160 or so.
> >
> > -Steve, WM3O
> > _______________________________________________
> > Amps mailing list
> > Amps at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps