Neon sign troubleshooting.

[Nightowl75]

I have an old beer neon sign. It came from a dancehall my parents used to own. Now I know this has been discussed before, but I am new to this site and the answers that were given were great. This sign will shock you, and I wanted to upload a video that shows what this sign is doing, and maybe I can get it fixed with some expert help on where to start. It does need those rubber boots as the old ones need replacing. I am going to purchase a tool that will tell you if the tubes are good or not. If not good, say from low or no gas in them, can the tube be recharged? I have seen on some other sites that people have tubes for sale and do you just take their word that they are good? I will try and upload the video, to show the shocking around the frame that the tubes are attached to. Thank you. .


Well the Attached files didn’t let me get into my picture file, so I hope I have given enough information for someone to answer back to me.

 

[RPH]

Tubes can be recharged with gas, even new tubes can be made. Transformers are available but I would caution working with them. They are lethal in operation to the untrained and blind. That type of voltage level has the ability to reach out and touch you!
Take into a shop tha repairs them. Get it safety and functionality tests performed. Worth paying for because it’s less than the burn unit or funeral. Once safe to operate learn about it. You might like making them as a project.
Good luck, stay safe and alive!

 

[cybrdyke]

Agree with RPH. Unless you have an abundance of spare time and are willing to risk ruining your keepsake, then just take it to a pro sign shop and let them fix it.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Zeke]

The old ones run 6000, 9000 and 12,000 volts. FYI. I did a quicky repair on one where the gas was good but something had been removed leaving a lead short from where it needed to go. I bought a high voltage spark plug wire and even that wasn't right as it wasn't copper or tinned copper. Gotta use the correct wires and the insulation has to be 100% good.

 

[RPH]

Neon transformer in the barn outputs at 15Kv.

 

[b-boy]

I've fixed a bunch of neon signs.

I have 16 signs in my barn and 2 in my basement. I buy broken signs with bad transformers for about $50, then swap out the transformers.

A tube tester is a great tool. It won't tell you how bright the neon is, but it will let you know if you have a break.

Overall, they are pretty simple, but you do need to be careful. If the tubes test out OK, the key is good insulation and a good transformer.

I've never had tubing replaced. I've tried calling local shops, but they don't seem interested in small jobs,

I automatically replace transformers on older units. The old ones are big and heavy. I opened one up and it was black inside from years of heat. I'm lucky the house didn't burn down. New transformers are much smaller, they don't get as hot, and they are pretty inexpensive. It's a fairly easy swap.

As far as boots and wiring, they are available online. I've replaced boots, but never had to replace wiring other than what was attached to the new transformer.

I've found that taking a unit apart without breaking a tube is the hardest part of the process. When they were made, most were not meant to be repaired.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, the glass work in welding new electrodes, bending and evacuating the tubes, charging them with the appropriate gasses all requires a very high degree of skill, very close to an art.

Additionally Electrical, Sheet Metal, and Painting skills are required.