Modding Cathode Throbber

Discussion in 'Article Discussion' started by macroman, 20 Apr 2002.

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  1. macroman

    macroman The One

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    macroman, 20 Apr 2002
    #1
  2. MagicMikey

    MagicMikey What's a Dremel?

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    Another great idea and great article....definately something orignal, nice!
     
    MagicMikey, 20 Apr 2002
    #2
  3. Jiffey

    Jiffey What's a Dremel?

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    holy hell...not only is the effect nice, but the lights inside your case look a ton better than my one blue cathode looked (it shorts out whenever the cord is vibrated, causing whatever the power is connected to to restart...it screwed my harddrive twice causing reformats before I realized it was the inverter.) Is there any way I can fix my cathode inverter without too much knowledge? I think the tape just wore off so the connection becomes loose every once and a while. If it had its own molex connection to the psu it wouldn't be a problem.
     
    Jiffey, 20 Apr 2002
    #3
  4. Fly

    Fly inter arma silent leges

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    I have been bugging my mate at work for ages to build me a circuit similar to this one... now I must threaten him some more as they look really coooool... nice work Macro...

    Keep it coming!!!
     
    Fly, 20 Apr 2002
    #4
  5. Yo-DUH_87

    Yo-DUH_87 Who you calling tiny?

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    I've posted this in the thread you posted the link in (Fading and alternating cathodes), but I'll post this in the thread officialy dedicated to the subject.

    What inverter did you use with this cold cathode? The effect is somewhat like a lightsaber from Star Wars :)
     
    Yo-DUH_87, 20 Apr 2002
    #5
  6. macroman

    macroman The One

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    All the inverters used were those that came with the CCFLs. All the same type afaik.
     
    macroman, 20 Apr 2002
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  7. TheBigE

    TheBigE What's a Dremel?

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    Forgive my stupidity but I am having a hard time visualizing where all of the power connectors are connected to the PCB. Would it be possible to get a picture of the back of the PCB. Great work by the way Macroman.
     
    TheBigE, 20 Apr 2002
    #7
  8. Meblin

    Meblin Supposed IR God!

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    How do I view the video clips?

    I have downloaded the latest Player but no joy :(

    Meblin
     
    Meblin, 20 Apr 2002
    #8
  9. Yo-DUH_87

    Yo-DUH_87 Who you calling tiny?

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    Was the pulse 3 pattern what you wanted from those settings, or was it just because that inverter was wierd?
     
    Yo-DUH_87, 20 Apr 2002
    #9
  10. Yo-DUH_87

    Yo-DUH_87 Who you calling tiny?

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    A little solder should fix that, just make sure not to use so much that you cause a short.
     
    Yo-DUH_87, 20 Apr 2002
    #10
  11. Lazy

    Lazy Meow?

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    do you think that t the end of your articles you could say how much the whole mod would actually cost? As it would be a big help.
     
    Lazy, 20 Apr 2002
    #11
  12. macroman

    macroman The One

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    I don't usually quote prices because they vary so much. Obviously checking the maplin website would give you a good idea.:idea:

    It should cost well under £5.
     
    macroman, 20 Apr 2002
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  13. macroman

    macroman The One

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    I have updated the article with this information. ;)
     
    macroman, 21 Apr 2002
    #13
  14. macroman

    macroman The One

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    All done with careful control adjustment. ;)
     
    macroman, 21 Apr 2002
    #14
  15. bee2643

    bee2643 What's a Dremel?

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    if i print out those foil pics, can i transfer that design onto copperboard and have acid eat away everything but the darkened area?
    i know it can be done using a laserjet printer, by ironing the toner onto copperboard, and then steaming the paper off, but all that will stick to the copperboard is the toner (or the black parts shown on the diagram) and those will be the conductive areas
    will this work?
     
    bee2643, 21 Apr 2002
    #15
  16. TheBigE

    TheBigE What's a Dremel?

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    Does anyone know of any parts distributors in the US that are even close to Maplin in their selection. I don't really want to hassle with getting the parts shipped from the UK but I can't find anyone who has the IC.

    edit: I found the IC at Jameco.com but the question still stands.

    edit2: Now I am having a hard time finding the pots and the capacitors, I found 47uF 25V but not 47uF 16V, I think the 25V will work but don't know for sure, anyone?
     
    Last edited: 21 Apr 2002
    TheBigE, 21 Apr 2002
    #16
  17. Lazy

    Lazy Meow?

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    but if you just said at the end of each article the mod will cost you about £5 then it tells me if i can afford it or if ti is something to wish for.
     
    Lazy, 21 Apr 2002
    #17
  18. Meblin

    Meblin Supposed IR God!

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    When I have made etched boards in the past, I have used a permanent marker to draw the tracks. the Black lines will remain when etched. So, as long as the toner works in the same way, it will create the correct copper areas for the PCB.

    The method used in the artical uses an UV box to expose the foil. Then it is put in some chemicals and exposed agin and then more chemicals then wased (I think :))

    I think I'll use a stipboard myself :D

    And here are the costs at Mappers

    UH05F * 2 £0.31
    UH08J * 1 £0.16
    VH11M *1 £0.10
    UF26D * 1 £0.42
    QH56L * 2 £2.20
    M12K * 1 £0.07
    M100K * 1 £0.07
    M1K * 1 £0.07
    M47K * 5 £0.31
    Grand total: £3.71 +VAT

    Meblin
     
    Meblin, 21 Apr 2002
    #18
  19. macroman

    macroman The One

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    I would suggest using an etch resist pen and rub down transfers to make the board. The layout is simple enough. You can try the toner idea to get a rough outline but go over the lines with the pen and transfers. I think the toner will wash off.

    Meblin - Thanks, I am glad to see someone can be bothered to look up prices for themselves ;)
     
    macroman, 21 Apr 2002
    #19
  20. M1CUZ

    M1CUZ What's a Dremel?

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    Can you connect more than one Cold Cathode invertor to each channel of the circuit, If so how many could you connect before the power transistors start getting a little strained?
     
    M1CUZ, 21 Apr 2002
    #20
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