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How do computer case cathode lights work?


Fear58

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Alright alright, this is most likely a stupid question, but before I buy one I'm really pressed for space; I use a micro atx board in a micro atx case, the Ultra shuttle.

I was looking at pictures of one and it looked as if it took up an expansion slot bay? Do they? What for? If thats the case, I can't get one. Now, how do they turn on? When you turn the computer on?

If anyone can fill these blanks for me, it would be much appreciated.

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A cathode is incredibly simple, first it takes DC from your powers upply, goes through an inverter (the small box thing) changes it to a very high voltage in DC which then goes to the actual cathode light, of course between the inverter and light you can put a switch in there. Usually this switch is mounted in a PCI bracket, but you can remove that so you dont waste the PCI bracket.

 

When you turn the computer on, your power supply turns on which then turns on your cathode.

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Its not going to hurt anything (except the cathode lifespan) if you keep the thing on all of the time, so there isnt much to worry about if you cant accommodate the switch. You could easily make your own switch though, the setup is brain dead simple.

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Guest Fried_fry

and if u cant find space im almost 100% sure they come in 12" and 6" lengths so if you dont have that much room you could easly go with the shorter length

Edited by Fried_fry

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you could also look into some leds if you dont have the room for a cold cathode kit

http://xoxide.com/lazerled.html

http://xoxide.com/leds.html

 

they also have something called el wire, but its not something that will glow the entire inside of your case like the cold cathodes...

http://xoxide.com/elwire.html

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