I''m working on a full automatic aquarium

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At 08:07 AM 11/20/2001 , you wrote:

> > Hello, I have a few problems, I'm trying to control fluorescent
>light. I know it is possible, I only don't know how ! I Want to use
>this for my aquarium and for a neighbor of me who has his special
>birds in his house.
> >

I believe florescent lamps are high voltage current controlled
devices via the inductive ballast that has resonance at 60 hertz.

Let me throw this bone to the group for further discussion . . . .
Why not use a constant high voltage current controlled oscillator?
Where filament voltages/currents are required the high voltage wave
form would "float" on top, a common technique used in electron guns.
Once ignition occurs, brightness (plasma intensity) is varied by
controlling the current. Keep the frequency out of the RF spectrum,
stick to 1khz and below. With any luck your neighbors won't hate you
for the TV interference! Good Luck!!


Greg Hensley
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Defense Sciences Engineering Division
7000 East Avenue Mail Stop L-369
Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: (925) 423-4850
Fax: (925) 422-2118
Email: hensley1@l...