Path: news.eternal-september.org!eternal-september.org!.POSTED!not-for-mail
From: Bill Abers <none@anywherenet.com>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.repair
Subject: Re: suggestions for plasma globe that is slow to turn on?
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:02:21 -0400
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On 6/11/25 5:09 PM, Liz Tuddenham wrote:
> 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.

Interesting, now that's something that has not been done regularly and 
there is some dust on at least half of the units.  Will go about 
cleaning.  Thanks.