Barry King wrote:

> I think Justin is asking if the UV lamps made specifically to
> generate ozone are also the optimum wavelength for erasing EPROMs.

  That was my "Yes".  The (older) references in EPROM data sheets point
out the use of "without filter" or "unfiltered" lamps.  It appears that
lamps with a filter (coating) are produced to *not* generate Ozone,
though their germicidal effect would obviously be much weakened into the
bargain.

> Or are you saying that EPROM erasers generate some ozone, whether or
> not its intended?

  It's a good indicator that it's working; just keep your nose away.
References on the list to old tubes taking ridiculously long times to
erase chips though still lighting up may relate to this.  If it loses
its smell, it's probably time for a new tube.

> If they are the same, "germicidal" lamps are sometimes cheap in farm-
> supply stores and such.  Maybe I can re-lamp my aged EPROM eraser
> cheaply?

  Someone else appears to have suggested that already.

  And to repeat a much older posting, my father (a Science teacher/
subject master) once made an Ozone generator using a Pyrex condenser
unit (i.e., the sort used for distillation) with foil electrodes down
the centre and around the jacket, connected to a Neon sign transformer
(terrific devices those...).  Worked a treat (i.e., using direct HV
corona discharge).
--
  Cheers,
        Paul B.