cyborg@kauri.vuw.ac.nz (Alex Ivopol) (04/29/91)
I have a question for all you who have seen these compact energy efficient fluorescent lamps that are aimed to replace normal light bulbs. I read an article in a mag. (New Scientist) on how they're not as efficient as they say they are for reasons explained in length in the mag. But that's another story. In the article (which is not very technical) they talk about an electromagnetic coil that changes the frequency of the mains from 50Hz to 40KHz (yes kilo hertz). I am sure they were NOT talking about the lamps with electronic starters. I took apart my one and in it there is only a fluorescent lamp twisted in a series of U's to fit inside, a (what looks like a) ballast (I assume this is the coil they talk about) and a starter. The coil/ballast has two connections. By the way, I tried replacing the existing starter with an electronic one and the lamp did not light (the filaments inside seemed to be constantly on but the lamp did not strike at all). The same electronic starter tho, goes fine with a normal ballast and a normal fluorescent lamp! So, does anyone know how such a frequency changing coil works (or if such a thing exists) ? -- Alex T. IVOPOL cyborg@kauri.vuw.ac.nz