run neons from an external psu

ganjiry said:

hi folks
i want to run a couple of neon tubes behind my desk. but i dont wnt them powered by the pc. inconveniant, i thought about using a psu to power the inverters untill i found out the atx psu doesnt run unless a mobo is detected. i thought of doing a permanent version of the paper clip by cutting the green n black wire from the conecter and joining them. now the psu should run.

can anyone suggest any other way of powering them plz.
any help is much apreciated, cheers

Use a power adapter suitable for the lights you want to use;

Amazon.com: power adapter

It is not advisable to cut power supply wires, and using neons and similar equipment is not a good idea directly on the machine. This is especially so on your equipment because you are using a lot of audio stuff, and this kind of equipment can cause severe noise problems.

Using a switched mode power, ( ATX type), supply on equipment like that can cause catastrophic failures. They are not designed to feed loads like that. The high voltage required to excite the gas in the tubes can cause a lot of RF ( Radio Frequency), noise.

Regards....Mike Connor

You can also get these ready made in various configurations;

Amazon.co.uk: 12 v neon lighs

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...lights&x=0&y=0

You should also look at LED strips and desk lighting. Uses less power and gives better light;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...+strip&x=0&y=0

Regards....Mike Connor

ganjiry said:

cheers mike quick as usual.
these r what i want to power Sharkoon 2-in-1 Kit 30cm Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps Case Modding Accessories - Blue: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
i thought about using the seperate psu as the r already fitted with the molex conectors. the only thing that will b near my pc is 1 tube wall mounted behind monitors.
i havent found anything else that could to the job yet. id rather hav a plug in converter or somethin rather than a bulky psu lol

Just cut the molex adapter off and use a 12 V adapter that can supply 1 amp at 12 V

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...+1+amp+adapter


Unfortunately the only "Technical specs" for those lights say that the lights are 30cm long, and blue! Which is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard!

Nevertheless, a 1 amp 12 v adapter should suit.

pc-look.com introduces the Sharkoon CCFL 2 IN ONE KIT Cold Cathode

- Two CCFL tube of 30cm lenght (6mm diameter)
- Black double output inverter
- Black Round Rocker Switck
- Inverter Mounting Velcro
- Tubes Mounting Velcro (4 pieces)
- 12V DC Power via 4 pins Molex of your PSU

Regards....Mike Connor

ganjiry said:

i know its a very detailed account of the specs lol
thanks 4 the link and time looking. i had looked nut can never think what things r called wen it comes to electricals lol. give me a peace of wood n im sorted but not electrics
much apreciated

No problem, my pleasure.

Regards....Mike Connor