Cold Cathode Set Up Help?

[dcarmor927]

Hey all, i recently received my cold cathode lights but i cant figure how to set them up...i've researched how on this forum, but nothing really explains it, it just shows pics which i cant interpret...i know i need an AC/DC adapter, but where does it plug into? i dont wanna go out and buy one just to have it not work then be stuck with it...any help? Thanks!

 

[smegforbrains]

You should have with the cathode tubes an invertor box that the leads from the tubes plug in to.


You should also have another lead with a PC power connection plug on.


You will need to cut this PC plug off, leaving the two wires that plug into the invertor.


Then you need a power supply capable of giving out 12vDC @500mA.


The lead from the power supply will need whatever plug it has on it cutting off. One lead should have a stripe on it (this is the positive).


Using a bit of terminal strip or crimp terminals, connect the red wire from the invertor to the wire from the power supply with the stripe and the black wire from the invertor to the plain black wire on the power supply.


If you wish, you can put a switch inline on the positive lead, using the switch to connect the positive wires rather than a crimp or terminal strip. You will still need to connect the negative wires in a strip or crimp.


if you need a circuit diagram, PM me and i'll draw one up for you.

 

[smegforbrains]

I had a few spare minutes, so here's a wiring diagram

 

[Rooster]

I had a few spare minutes, so here's a wiring diagram

The "tubes" are both ends of the same tube, before anyone asks ! Nice diagram - what did you use ?

 

[dcarmor927]

Thanks for the tips and the design! i ended up finding an adapter and cut the chords and all that good stuff...i used wire nuts to keep em together, but my dad said i need some "goop" stuff that will seal it and make it water proof...my unit came with a switch installed already ...so it took me a minute to figure out which wires to cut lol thanks again for the help!