Cold cathode lighting

[Pinkle]

Hi - first time posting so be gentle...

I have some cold cathode lighting tubes that I want to use to light some glass shelves. These are low voltage but unfortunately do not come with a transformer. The only information that I have is that they are 12v 1.5w - I think they were originally intended for use inside a PC. My question is, what type of transformer should I use? I'm guessing that a 12v transformer from a low-voltage halogen kit would probably be OK.

Any help greatly appreciated...

 

[nstreet]

If they were designed for use in a PC, an old PC power supply would be just the job, if you can get hold of one. Try the Maplin website for transformers, I know they sell the cold cathode tubes, they may have something suitable.

 

[breezer]

I'm guessing that a 12v transformer from a low-voltage halogen kit would probably be OK.

for the record, no it will not be ok.

a transformer for low voltage lights is just that, a transfromer.

a transformer's out put is A.C.

cold cathodes are designed to run on 12v DC

you need a rectification circuit etc

the best solution is a power supply for a pc (if you do use one you want the yellow for posative and black for negative 12 volts as the red is only 5 volts)

however they are not cheap (£30+)

why not go to a computer fair where you can pick them up for usually less than a fiver, i got one recently for my coffee cup holder, which is really an old cd drive that was good for nothing else.

alternatively maplin do have 12 v power supplies that are DC but they cost more than a second hand computer power supply and are not self cooling