Tjaart, for more `geek fun', replace that `energy hog' ballast with
a solid state unit ;-)

   There has been a lot of amusing, to say the least, suggestions for
erasing EPROM devices. I still think the Dataerase II is the best buy
for both engineering prototypes and hobbyist. A few years ago I called
them about ordering a replacement UV tube should mine fail. He laughed,
saying it's cheaper to send it back and they will fix it for $12
including shipping. He went on to say, the tubes rarely fail. I can back
that up with years of use and `abuse'. It costs less than $50.

   "Arc welders", heh, heh, `gawd'... ;-)

   - Tom

>I've been using a 6W Philips UVB tube for about 2 years. The tube cost
>about
>$8.5 and the ballast & starter cost about $4.5 It erases a PIC in under
>3
>minutes. Like you said - making your own is more fun. (and us geeks need
>all
>the fun we need)
>
>--
>Friendly Regards
>
>Tjaart van der Walt