On Jul 5, 8:27*pm, Chris Hogg wrote:
We have three very old fluorescent strip-light fittings that don't use
'starters', probably early 1960's era. I like them because when
switched on, they light instantly just like a filament light with no
delay and none of the flashing typical of modern fittings on start-up.
But I seem to be having difficulty getting tubes that will work in
them. The existing tubes, 4 ft, are approx 1.5 in diameter. A new tube
bought recently but only about 1 in diameter, just glows pink at each
end but won't strike, although it works OK in a more modern fitting.
So what's so special about the fatter tubes, and can they still be
obtained, or am I going to have to sacrifice my old fittings and buy
ones that modern tubes work with?

--

Chris

Yes , I remember those.
You may be able to convert modern tubes by gluing a strip of cooking
foil (1/4" wide) down the length of the tube from end to end, joining
the metal caps.
Obviously, you put the strip to the back out of sight.

This dodge worked on the old tubes, dunno about the new ones

harry expressed precisely :
On Jul 5, 8:27*pm, Chris Hogg wrote:
We have three very old fluorescent strip-light fittings that don't use
'starters', probably early 1960's era. I like them because when
switched on, they light instantly just like a filament light with no
delay and none of the flashing typical of modern fittings on start-up.
But I seem to be having difficulty getting tubes that will work in
them. The existing tubes, 4 ft, are approx 1.5 in diameter. A new tube
bought recently but only about 1 in diameter, just glows pink at each
end but won't strike, although it works OK in a more modern fitting.
So what's so special about the fatter tubes, and can they still be
obtained, or am I going to have to sacrifice my old fittings and buy
ones that modern tubes work with?

--

Chris

Yes , I remember those.
You may be able to convert modern tubes by gluing a strip of cooking
foil (1/4" wide) down the length of the tube from end to end, joining
the metal caps.
Obviously, you put the strip to the back out of sight.

This dodge worked on the old tubes, dunno about the new ones

It worked in the days when the end cap holder would have an earth
terminal, the modern ones don't have one.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk