Hmm, anyone ever use PC cathodes in their cars, will the power supply work? Options

[mark_426]

well, i have four or so cold cathodes from various PC builds.. and since its 12v dc, do you think I could splice em up and turn em on?

anyone try this, and not automotive spec ones?

btw- they have their own inverters - cathodes use low amperage but super high voltages...

thanks

This post has been edited by mark_426: Jun 25, 2005 - 5:47 PM

[Coomer]

I've used them in my car and they worked fine. I hear that they're less durable than automotive neon lights though.

[Phat_99CeliGT]

i have a set in my celica.
i had to cut the switch off.
mine had 1 inverter for 2 tubes.

like this
http://www.oznium.com/cathode-kit

[mark_426]

^^ Those are identical to mine, I have 2 pairs of those.

Have you noticed any damage or dimming etc? How long have you had them installed?

[Cutrara]

Are they so bright that you can't drive with them on at night without getting pulled over? They look awfully bright in those pics.

[Phat_99CeliGT]

they r brighter then regular neons.

i had them in my probe for a couple months, then gave the probe to my girl and took all the neons and stuff.

they r pretty durable. alot on the OZ forum use them as underbody tubes.
i was gona make a kit, but didn't want to have to wire them all up.
if they break they r only $8 a pair.
im ordering alot more when i get the money. i love glow.

i have a vid in the General section that shows the inside of my celi with the purple cathodes on.

This post has been edited by Phat_99CeliGT: Jun 25, 2005 - 11:45 PM

[ShoGun]

I'm also thinking about cold cathodes to my car. But what kind of switch did you guys use? I was thinking that I could buy a Sunbeam Lightbus to control the lights, but I'm not sure of how to connect the power cables from Lightbus?

Any suggestions?

You'll find it at this site:
http://www.sunbeamtech.com/

[Cutrara]

I just installed UV cathodes from Oznium in my buddys '99 Grand Am GT today. I used a single pole rocker switch.

In the installation instructions of the lightbus, step 4 says:
4. Plug a female PSU molex connecter into a male molex on the kit's PCB board.

If I were you I'd probably cut off the connector and wire it into your car as long as it's all 12v equiptment. You probably dont need a switch, this lightbus is appears to be a switch itself.

Edit: The website says it's 12v so I wouldn't worry.

This post has been edited by Cutrara: Jul 22, 2005 - 6:58 PM

[Hanyo]

are the pc tubs weather resistant?

i would think they would shatter if a pebble flew up and hit them.

I might get some.. the dome lighting in the celica is horrible.

[Cutrara]

I think the tubes are weather resistant, but the transformer is not. I'm not real sure about their durability, I just used them inside, but Phat says people make their own kits with them.

[Phat_99CeliGT]

neither of them r weather resistant.
the tubes need sealed on the ends and the transformer can be wrapped in black tape and sealed with silicone at the connections.