Timing light bulb test

[Frederic Breitwieser]

>Kind of off list but, anybody have an easy test for a neon bulb? (timing
>light)


A Neon bulb requires about 65-70 volts to fire - you can run one off A/C
120V with a series resistor in the oh... about 15-22k range.  However, a
timing light, generally has a xenon flash tube, which looks more like a
horseshoe with two leads at each foot of the "shoe" and a center lead that
is connected to the trigger, which is a band that wraps around both tubes
and connects in the center of the horseshoe glass envelope.  These require
approximately 3-4 kilovolts to fire, and an easy "test" is not really
doable, unless you enjoy a lot of soldering and have parts lying around.

However, if you look at the bottom (feet) of the glass envelope, and on the
inside of the glass by BOTH leads, its black and crusty on the inside, more
than likely its a goner - Radio Shack sells replacement Xenon bulbs for
their $39.95 strobe light for about five bucks or so.

Hope that helped.


Frederic Breitwieser
Bridgeport, CT 06606

Homebrew Automotive Website:
http://www.xephic.dynip.com/

1993 Supercharged Lincoln Continental
1989 HMMWV
2000 Buick-Powered Mid-Engined Sports Car