cold cathode lamps for amp - not PC

They're powered by 12V DC. I don't think you'd want one in an audio amp. They radiate massive amounts in electrical noise not far above the audio spectrum. I suggest using colored LEDs instead.

To run a CCFL with DC, you can require a kilovolt or two (possibly more) to start it. The voltage required for starting may vary with temperature, presence of cosmic rays, random factors, etc. so a given voltage may turn out to be unreliable at achieving starting. Starting with AC is easier. With either DC or AC, starting is likely to be easier if you put a conductive ring or band around one end and connect that ring to the other end. The voltage drop once it starts is a couple hundred to maybe a few hundred volts. One DC problem that I foresee: The mercury vapor may concentrate towards one end. Another is that the negative end will get hotter than the positive end. Most CCFLs want AC.

I suggest using a different light source (another poster suggests LEDs) or else you may be in for a big shielding job.

- Don Klipstein ( snipped-for-privacy@misty.com)