Would anyone have an idea what might be the maximum frequency of current reversal possible by applying a suitable AC signal to an ordinary household fluorescent tube?
I have seen some reference to using them as experimental plasma antennae and want to try it out.
Ben Goodlee
Ben Goodlee inscribed thus:
If its any help I have illuminated 2ft tubes with 144.5Mhz. About 35w from a 640 tube amplifier. Whilst they do radiate a signal, its barely as good as a proper 1/4 wave antenna.
I cannot find info on the "640 tube amp" you describe. Can you please tell me where I might find this or a schematic?
Did you use a matching network, or any other adaptation to drive the tube?
BTW, I only need to go to a few MHz, if there is a more suitable solution for this lower frequency.
Thank you,
Ben G.
Ben Goodlee inscribed thus:
Any ARRL Handbook ! Or google "RF Ampifier"
Yes ! The tube was coupled by two or three turns and a 25pf variable cap into the PA output and ground. Essentially an "L" match tuned for maximum burn. Actually you could get the tube to light just touching a PA anode while feeding the antenna.
Not done any real playing about with lower frequencies ! Not something that ever excited me enough to want to. But the principles are just the same.
...
Just to let you know, that's a bum steer. Google on "RF Ampifier" returns hundreds of references to the Fairchild 2N5952 - N-channel Rf Ampifier, but nothing related to 640 tube amplifiers.
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