Neon Light Mod Question

[sparkle]

Well, I'm finally gonna start modding my desk! Question I have for y'all is what need to be done to get a neon (like the ones used for car accessories) to work off of 120VAC. I need to get 3 blue neons, and just need to step down the voltage. Do you think that getting a voltage adapter, then modding the parts together would work?

 

[Bignate603]

Wait, this your computer or actual desk? Either way, i suggest wiring it to an old PS, anything will do, even a 150 watt. Power supplys put out 12 volts DC just like a car, so it should work well and be fairly easy to wire.

 

[goophie]

If you're talking about neon tubes like the kits they sell for modding computers, yeah those run off of 12v DC so you just hook it up to a computer power supply. If you're talking about huge long flourescent lamps, those run off of 120V AC, like a electrical socket in your house.

Which are you talking about? The ones you said that work in cars should be 12v DC like the ones that people put in computer cases. I don't know of any car neon lights that work off of 120v AC since the only way to get 120v ac in a car is to buy an dc-ac inverter.

 

[sparkle]

Yes, this is going to be a desk mod. You see the desk I have is basically a set of platfroms (think Q3 space cft) So I decided it would be cool to add some neon under them to give em a glow.

Also, I will be using car accent kits to light. I was just trying to figure out a way to get them to work off of a standard electrical outlet. But using an old power supply didn't come to mind when I originally had the idea, so I think that is what I will end up doing.

 

[efobee]

do you have that Bush desk with a two identical platforms on the upper sides, and a giant workspace with a keyboard drawer underneath that is too far away from the monitor by the time you pull out the drawer?

haha

 

[sparkle]

As a matter of fact I do! How did ya know? As far as the space from the monitor, it's not that bad if you have a 19 monitor.

 

[efobee]

i have that same desk... it's pretty damn good... stable as a rock... i figured you had that desk since few desks are as platform-based as that one... and yes, i also have a 19" monitor.. but since i work at 1920x1440 (photoshop junkie), by the time i've pulled out the keyboard drawer, the type gets a bit small.... and i'm too lazy to switch resolutions everytime i'm not drawing.. >]

 

[KouklatheCat]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I am considering two options, one use an old AT power supply and the 12V neons or using the rope light you can buy from home depot. The rope light is cut to length and comes in colors.