P3D A bit more on Fluorescent Lamps

[vidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Michael Kersenbrock comments about Fluorescent lamp operation:
"Are the fluorescent lamp circuits being used instant-on (and stable)?  This 
would be important in a viewer that's used with a button. An initial-ionization
flicker may be annoying for those who use it in this manner.  Would it flicker?"

   The inverters used to drive these types of "Cold Cathode" Fluorescent Lamps
operate at about 40KHz and turn on within the first cycle or so.  The lamps CAN
be dimmed to about 10% of full output by Pulse Width Modulating (turning on and 
off very fast) the power applied to the inverter or by applying a signal to a 
special control pin provided.  Since they are operating at 40Khz the lamps are not
flickering since the persistance of the phosphor is longer than this time period.

   BTW, I've got the information on the Lamp and Inverter vendor.  Lamps range 
from 5.6mm to 9.5mm dia. and from about 50mm to 300mm in 9 different colors 
including Cool White, HiOutput White, Warm White and a few other colors like RGB.
If anyone is interested contact me.


John Vala




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