Neon Lamps: Difference between revisions

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If the neon lamps fail, the CRT grid voltage will be affected.
If the neon lamps fail, the CRT grid voltage will be affected.


Another common use is for DC bias shifting, e.g. in 500-series timebase circuits.   
Another common use is for DC bias shifting, e.g. in 500-series timebase circuits.  In such circuits, a 56 V Zener diode may be a possible replacement for the neon.


[[File:Neons in 545 timebase circuit.jpg|200px]]
[[File:Neons in 545 timebase circuit.jpg|200px]]
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|align="center"| 58 (46-78) V
|align="center"| 58 (46-78) V
|align="center"| 0.6 mA
|align="center"| 0.6 mA
| short length, formed tip for end-on viewing, mild radioactive additive for the reduction of dark effect;  =~ modern type [https://eu.mouser.com/ProductDetail/VCC/A2B?qs=%252BE2FUV3Ulmz0JmjQi2dc2Q%3D%3D A2B]
| short length, formed tip for end-on viewing; dark compensated;  =~ modern type [https://eu.mouser.com/ProductDetail/VCC/A2B?qs=%252BE2FUV3Ulmz0JmjQi2dc2Q%3D%3D A2B]
|-
|-
| NE-23
| NE-23
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|align="center"| 59 V
|align="center"| 59 V
|align="center"| 0.3 mA
|align="center"| 0.3 mA
| mild radioactive additive for reduction of dark effect
| dark compensated
|}
|}
''Please add''
''Please add''


===Dark compensation===
Neon lamps require a higher voltage to ignite if operated in total dark, this is known as ''Dark effect''.
This was compensated in some types by a "mild radioactive additive" to help with ionization, typically a small amount of Krypton-85 (beta emitter, 10.8 years half life) added to the gas filling. 
After 50 years, radiation from this source will have reduced to ~3% of the intensity at new.  Modern NE-2 variants will likely not contain such an additive in the first place.


[[Category:Repair issues]]
[[Category:Repair issues]]
[[Category:Gas discharge tubes]]
[[Category:Gas discharge tubes]]

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