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spmclaugh · 09-16-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thermoptic

I briefly researched CCFL lighting. The NEC has two CCFL, but I was wondering if I could upgrade the bulb strength? Are all CCFL bulbs the same in terms of brightness? I imagine you could have higher quality phosphor coatings, and such.

I don't know how much they can or can't do with phosphors, etc. Something to look into more. I've never really bothered much, because I figured I'd just use longer tubes / more tubes.

If you look at Cd per meter (Mouser's catalog for example), the tubes' output are pretty similar with regards to diameter. (Cd / m^2 does vary with diameter, because a fatter tube has more surface area. Better to look at output per unit length.)

Quote: Originally Posted by thermoptic

Maybe drive them a little hotter. The inverter driver may step-in once the voltage or current thresholds have been exceeded. spmclaugh, you mentioned rolling your own inverter. What needs are you addressing (i.e. better efficiency)? Can you comment on CCFL bulb quality?

You could probably drive them a little harder, if you're willing to replace them more often (electrodes will wear out). As far as building an inverter, I wouldn't really recommend it unless you have a reason. The team from our project talked about it more, and we might even go with ERG. The original reason was to get maximum efficiency, customizability, and simply because we were already "on a roll" building other things custom. But for the price ERG charges, it's probably worth the time saved.

09-16-2007, 10:45 PM	#43
spmclaugh Low Bitrate Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 108 My Photos: ()	Quote: Originally Posted by thermoptic I briefly researched CCFL lighting. The NEC has two CCFL, but I was wondering if I could upgrade the bulb strength? Are all CCFL bulbs the same in terms of brightness? I imagine you could have higher quality phosphor coatings, and such. I don't know how much they can or can't do with phosphors, etc. Something to look into more. I've never really bothered much, because I figured I'd just use longer tubes / more tubes. If you look at Cd per meter (Mouser's catalog for example), the tubes' output are pretty similar with regards to diameter. (Cd / m^2 does vary with diameter, because a fatter tube has more surface area. Better to look at output per unit length.) Quote: Originally Posted by thermoptic Maybe drive them a little hotter. The inverter driver may step-in once the voltage or current thresholds have been exceeded. spmclaugh, you mentioned rolling your own inverter. What needs are you addressing (i.e. better efficiency)? Can you comment on CCFL bulb quality? You could probably drive them a little harder, if you're willing to replace them more often (electrodes will wear out). As far as building an inverter, I wouldn't really recommend it unless you have a reason. The team from our project talked about it more, and we might even go with ERG. The original reason was to get maximum efficiency, customizability, and simply because we were already "on a roll" building other things custom. But for the price ERG charges, it's probably worth the time saved.