[BC] the Purple tube...

[RLO2L@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/29/2005 3:15:47 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
looey323 at yahoo.com writes:

I know  solid state is more efficient, if somewhat more fragile, but, I LIKED 
the blue  glow of the 8008's, 6 of them in a three-phase plate supply.  And 
being  able to spot a potential failure when the tube's blue started to turn 
green  around the gills.



looey:
 
AT&T Used the 355A three electrode mercury vapor and argon thyratron  used as 
regulated rectifiers in the J86207E rectifiers for charging the  battery 
plants in the 1960's. Had a beautiful glow when operating and  the greater the 
load, the brighter the glow! 
 
As you had said, when the tubes started to go soft, the sky-blue would go  to 
a green color and unless we replaced them, we could expect a "call out,"  
before much longer.
 
Those were the days, my friend!
 
Russel L.  O'Toole, P.C.
R&M Consulting

31 Ponderosa  Drive
Romeoville, Illinois 60446
815-372-1990 voice
630-699-2965  cell
815-886-9232 fax
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