(Topic ID: 168964)

Cirqus Voltaire Neon Transformer Needed

By FtrMech

7 years ago



Topic Stats

  • 4 posts
  • 4 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 7 years ago by Coyote
  • No one calls this topic a favorite

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#1 7 years ago

Anyone have a lead on a replacement Neon Transformer for Cirqus Voltaire...seems my neon is getting dim during game play and is no longer as responsive...on start up it is bright but it doesn't last. I have checked most Pinball parts websites and even the neon sign shops on the web...any info is appreciated

#2 7 years ago

I'm no expert on it but that doesn't really sound like a transformer issue to me, have you checked the output voltage when the tube gets dimmer? As for a replacement I know there is at least one thread on here that mentions a non-pinball related replacement for those but I don't remember it off the top of my head, try some different searches through CV threads and I think you'll find it.

#3 7 years ago

I agree with Bob, check your connections and solder joints. As an electrician I have to find replacement transformers often, there are lots of online resources. Just get the specs off of the case and start googling. Pay attention the the physical size.

#4 7 years ago

Woah.. Do NOT check output voltage. That's running in the 30k range, and while it's VERY small amperage, it's enough to cause serious harm.

It can be the transformer, but it's likely it's the tube.

An important bit of info here needed is this -
If your tube Argon or Neon? (If it's cred when lit, clear when off, it's Neon. If it's white or gold or another color when off, it's Argon.)

Why?
If it's Neon, then the only light you're seeing is the red neon gas burning. If that's getting dim, then power to the tube is dropping - either the gas has been thinned out, the electrodes are failing, or the transformer's output voltage is dropping.
If it's Argon, then the above issues with Neon apply, but the issue is LIKELY be the phosphor in the tube. Argon is a white-burning gas, and the phosphor coating on the tube gives the tube it's color. After a long time of use, the phosphor can degrade and output less light.

Since the transformer is fed by the game's +12v, I would, *first*, check the voltage getting to the transformer. Check the voltage drop when the neon should be on, and make sure it's not low. (If memory recalls, those transformers accept 9-14v input. While that means the neon would work between 9v and 14v, lower voltages coming in means less voltage going out, which will change the brightness of the tube.)

If you really want a new transformer, I'll pull one of mine and give you the specs tonight - anything that matches can be used, but may not fit in the end of the ramp.

Good luck!

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