Transformerless Cathode install?

Hey guys,

Well, after having 3 replacement transformers sent to me over the past few months - I'm looking for a solution on how to hook my cathodes up.

I remember a few years back I bought 2 blue cathodes from a computer store for computer use. I forget the name of the "end" it had on the wire, but it plugged right into my cmputer - no transformer necessary.

Is it possible to wire these guys up without a transformer?

The connection you are referring to is a molex connector.

As far as I know you can not wire up cathodes without a transformer. It seems odd that you are having multiple problems with transformers going out. Have you double checked to make sure your wiring is correct, etc.

Yeah, i'm 99% sure its the newer transformers.

I have old style transformers that have worked for years with no issue, there all hooked up on the same circuit with a fuse as well.

Yea, cathodes need like 500,000v or something, just like neon tubes, to light up.

A transformer is pretty much the only way to get that high voltage, just how it goes.

That's weird you've had so many go out though.. I've only burned maybe 1 or 2 I think, tops, and I run a looot of cathodes.. keep trying I guess.

Your circuit isn't overloaded, is it? If you have too many cathodes hooked up in parallel on too small of wire, eventually they'll be trying to pull more amps than the wire can handle, and will light up dimmer than usual.

Well, my circiciuit in my car

2 sets of cathodes using 3 transformers on the same circuit. Old style transformers, no issue. New ones blow out after a few days of use.

1 set (old style) hooked up on separate circuit, no issues ever.

Friends car (ordered the cathodes for him)

2 sets (new style) on 1 circuit - blow out after few days use.

clutch1 wrote:

Your circuit isn't overloaded, is it? If you have too many cathodes hooked up in parallel on too small of wire, eventually they'll be trying to pull more amps than the wire can handle, and will light up dimmer than usual.

No, it won't result in dimmer light. It will result in melting wire or blown fuse (depending on how it's set up). This will then lead to zero light output or lots of light output from the fire.

I have found that low input voltage CAN smoke the transformers ... Also dimming circuits can damage them as well ...

Doc i have had the same exact problem with the newer transformers. i am on my 3rd set of transformers, the first 2 sets lasted an hour each at the most. I havent used the new set much lately but only time will tell.