Backtothearcade Neon Signs... bad transformer, need help

[Endprodukt]

Hey,

seems like my transformer on my neon sign went bad. I'd like to replace it... problem is it doesn't say anything about the specs on the transformer itself. seems like the sticker is missing. Can anyone help out?

Problem is: Sign turns on for about 1-2 minutes, then turns off. I can turn it back on immediately.

Any help would be appreciated!

[ChadTower]

Can you get some readings on the transformer while the sign is lit?

[Endprodukt]

I could get readings... question is which are helpful...

[WindDrake]

Send a PM to Malice95 (The Backtothearcade.com Owner from BITD) on the KLOV forums about it. I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.

Don't go sticking your DMM probes on the NST. Those things are 2-15kv and will bite you something fierce.

[lilshawn]

i'd just take it to a neon sign shop. they have the experience to know how much juice it'll take to strike the tube.

that said, if it runs for a while, you have a thermal issue... FET with bad thermal heat sinking or a cold solder joint someplace that goes open when it heats up. as long as it's not potted, you can do some work in there.

pretty much the same as LCD cold cathode supplies...the fets start to go open. they spark up, and as soon as they heat up, they go open and shut off.

if it's potted. get a new one. 

[Endprodukt]

The transformer is potted... no chance for a repair job.

We don't have ANY neon-sign shop in my hometown in germany, next one seems to be 120km far away... bummer

I will try to contact Malice95, thanks for the help guys!

[Nephasth]

We don't have ANY neon-sign shop in my hometown in germany, next one seems to be 120km far away... bummer

What? No roads in Germany? 120km is nothing. Get to driving.

[lilshawn]

maybe give the shop a call see what they can suggest.

they may ask about the sign (tube diameter and approximately how long it is and what kind of gas (color)) and ask if they have a small transformer that would work for a decent price. it may be worth the drive. 120km is an hours drive...Heck in germany, what with the autobahn, 5 minutes. 

if not, ask what specifications of a replacement transformer they suggest and maybe order one off ebay.

also:

http://www.bestsupply.com.hk/LoadingChartforSiettransformers.pdf

[Endprodukt]

Well I think you guys are used to different gasoline prices. Besides that I have a heavily pregnant wife that I'd rather don't let a lone for a neon lamp

I called the shop and they didn't seem to be very helpful actually. They're more into the big signs on Hamburg Reeperbahn that cost a lot more than my small lamp

[pbj]

Go to the store that sells cheap junk for college kids, buy some neon sign that's about the same size, steal the transformer.

 

[lilshawn]

Well I think you guys are used to different gasoline prices.

we are average $1.20/ Liter here in the province alberta. with my city having the ability to get it at 1.12 right now.

lots of provinces are at almost $2.00 /liter it's a rip off all over really.


BACK ON TRACK

contact the maker of the sign first, they may have some answers... if not...

have a look at the PDF i linked, it gives you a volts/per meter of voltage required for a particular size/gas neon tube. you should be able to find someplace the colors of neon and what gases they contain for a particular color and work it out from there.

measure out the tube with string and then add a bit and find yourself an ebay transformer of appropriate size is likely your best bet..