Author Topic: Trouble with Floresent tube..  (Read 4742 times)

Muerto

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Trouble with Floresent tube..
« on: February 12, 2011, 11:41:13 AM »
After receiving the stuff from André, i installed the tube.....hmmmm
1st: Nothing...
2nd: Mingled with the starter = little light....
3rd: Switched of the machine, turned it on again = Bright light and then fuse blown...
4th: Replaced the fuse, turned on the machine, mingled with the starter and then again... little light (NOT visible through the marquee)
5th: Recorded the video below - so HILFE...

NOTE! the light coming of the tube on the video is amplified by the camera!!!




Brry71

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2011, 12:17:57 PM »
Hi Muerto,

I'm not an expert at all, but this might make some sense:

Ballast factor is not a measure of energy efficiency. Although a lower ballast factor reduces lamp lumen output, it also consumes proportionally less input power. As such, careful selection of a lamp-ballast system with a specific ballast factor allows designers to better minimize energy use by "tuning" the lighting levels in the space. For example, in new construction, high ballast factors are generally best, since fewer luminaires will be required to meet the light level requirements. In retrofit applications or in areas with less critical visual tasks, such as aisles and hallways, lower ballast factor ballasts may be more appropriate.

If interested, the complete article can be found here: http://www.lightsearch.com/resources/lightguides/ballasts.html

Good luck!!!
LOOKING FOR: a license to print money.....

And a Pacman. And a Donkey Kong.

level42

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2011, 07:21:18 PM »
Nice piece of theory Barry, but what we have here is a system that has been working in many Berzerks for many years...
Also, the kind of tube I sent to Muerto is successfully running in my cab (and I think in Ully's too ?)

Anyway, what is different with Berzerk is that once you turn the power on on the cab, the fluorescent will turn on, EVEN if you open the coin door or backdoor !!

So, that aspect of the video makes sense Muerto....the other stuff....first try to replace the starter.
Also be sure to try the other tube !
If that's not the problem, it's very likely the ballast. BUT, don't forget the simple things. Big problems often have simple causes:
Replace the tube holders, and at least check the starter holder (or replace it right away) (they are 30 years old.....they _can_ develop a bad contact, esp. the tubeholders.

The last time a fuse blew on my Ms.Pac the ballast was also bad. I simply replaced ballast, and tube. Still didn't work, turned out the new starter (which I had installed before) had blown out when the fuse also went....

New starter and, happy ever after...


Muerto

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2011, 09:44:43 PM »
ok, thanks, ill try to find a new starter (i guess those are standard ones?)

level42

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2011, 07:16:19 AM »
You need a T2 FS-2 starter. Even though these are for 110V, because they are often used in series with 230V configurations you can still get them "everywhere" in Europe.

Just look carefully on the package. Any DIY store should have it....


110V ballasts for 6,20 Euro here:
cedermangameparts.be

(drop him an e-mail, do not use the webstore)
« Last Edit: February 16, 2011, 06:44:51 AM by Level42 »

level42

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2011, 10:28:46 AM »
Correction: starter type must be FS-2 not T2

level42

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Re: Trouble with Floresent tube..
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2011, 10:31:40 AM »
Correction: starter must be FS-2