AJH wrote:

I've salvaged the thin fluorescent tube from the scanner section of a
Cannon scanner/printer/copier. As the power supply had a number of
unmarked voltages I guessed at 12V for the tube electronics but it
only lights up 3/4 of the length, should I risk a higher voltage?

I wanted to see if I could use it as a low power light for a hallway
after lights out.

AJH

Why not hook it up to 14v and see if it lights a bit further along.

I would not touch the tube while on, these are typically run off high
voltage high frequency and use external foil electrodes. Very long life
but fingers off.

Alternatively get a 3w cfl.


NT

AJH wrote:
On 17 Nov 2006 00:31:04 -0800, wrote:

Why not hook it up to 14v and see if it lights a bit further along.

I shall give it a try but 12V was convenient (gel cell car battery
booster to hand)

I would not touch the tube while on, these are typically run off high
voltage high frequency and use external foil electrodes. Very long life
but fingers off.

Thanks for the warning.

AJH

or use existing supply but put it thru 2 diodes to drop 2v, and see if
its worse.

NT