I own several plasma globe type devices basically similar to this:
https://www.arborsci.com/cdn/shop/products/PlasmaGlobe8inch1500x1000.jpg?v=1652122477
I also have a dome, a disc, and another device resembling a spiral glass tube.
Several years ago, I took a look inside all of them and they basically
all have the same type of circuit: a single transistor driven small
flyback in the 3-8 KV range coupling to the glass tube or globe.
One thing that sort of bothers me about my devices is that, over time, a couple of them have become slow to turn on, especially after sitting for
a period of time, but not in every case: one of my plasma domes is
difficult to turn on all the time.
What I mean by the aforementioned is that, once the device switch is activated, the glass will remain dark for a few seconds before it starts
to show "plasma". In the case of the plasma dome, there are two
controls on the front of it controlling intensity and frequency that I
have to fiddle with for maybe 30 sec sometimes before the globe will activate.
My question is, what causes this behavior and how do I rectify it? Thanks.
I own several plasma globe type devices basically similar to this:
https://www.arborsci.com/cdn/shop/products/PlasmaGlobe8inch1500x1000.jpg?v =1652122477
I also have a dome, a disc, and another device resembling a spiral glass tube.
Several years ago, I took a look inside all of them and they basically
all have the same type of circuit: a single transistor driven small
flyback in the 3-8 KV range coupling to the glass tube or globe.
One thing that sort of bothers me about my devices is that, over time, a couple of them have become slow to turn on, especially after sitting for
a period of time, but not in every case: one of my plasma domes is
difficult to turn on all the time.
What I mean by the aforementioned is that, once the device switch is activated, the glass will remain dark for a few seconds before it starts
to show "plasma". In the case of the plasma dome, there are two
controls on the front of it controlling intensity and frequency that I
have to fiddle with for maybe 30 sec sometimes before the globe will activate.
My question is, what causes this behavior and how do I rectify it?
Thanks.
Bill Abers <none@anywherenet.com> wrote:
I own several plasma globe type devices basically similar to this:
https://www.arborsci.com/cdn/shop/products/PlasmaGlobe8inch1500x1000.jpg?v >> =1652122477
I also have a dome, a disc, and another device resembling a spiral glass
tube.
Several years ago, I took a look inside all of them and they basically
all have the same type of circuit: a single transistor driven small
flyback in the 3-8 KV range coupling to the glass tube or globe.
One thing that sort of bothers me about my devices is that, over time, a
couple of them have become slow to turn on, especially after sitting for
a period of time, but not in every case: one of my plasma domes is
difficult to turn on all the time.
What I mean by the aforementioned is that, once the device switch is
activated, the glass will remain dark for a few seconds before it starts
to show "plasma". In the case of the plasma dome, there are two
controls on the front of it controlling intensity and frequency that I
have to fiddle with for maybe 30 sec sometimes before the globe will
activate.
My question is, what causes this behavior and how do I rectify it?
Thanks.
Possibly a conductive film has built up on the glass over the years and
is loading down the oscillator? Highly insulating surfaces build up
charges which attract dust etc.
Well, since I took Liz's suggestion basically about cleaning the glass,
the device has turned on immediately ever since. Of course, to test the >electrolytics, I also had to disassemble it.
The plasma globe is a quick disconnect to the unit base, which contains
the flyback supply. Contacts are either steel or aluminum. I was
thinking of adding a thin layer of dielectric grease (from the auto
store used for spark plugs) to the contacts. Recommended or not?
Thanks again,
Bill
On Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:27:54 -0400, Bill Abers <none@anywherenet.com>
wrote:
Well, since I took Liz's suggestion basically about cleaning the glass,
the device has turned on immediately ever since. Of course, to test the
electrolytics, I also had to disassemble it.
The plasma globe is a quick disconnect to the unit base, which contains
the flyback supply. Contacts are either steel or aluminum. I was
thinking of adding a thin layer of dielectric grease (from the auto
store used for spark plugs) to the contacts. Recommended or not?
Thanks again,
Bill
If it works, don't 'fix' it.
RL
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