On Thu, 6 Jan 2000 14:45:18 -0000, you wrote:

>A U.V. light box for making PCBs costs about $180 over here in the UK for a
>small one, but for about $25 you can get a replacement set of tubes and
>starters.
>
>So I'd like to make my own, using these replacement bits.
>
>Having no experience with fluorescent tubes, how do I connect them to the
>starters and to the mains to make them work.
>
>Andy

                                    ___________
Live -[Timer switch]---[Ballast]---|   tube    |------Neutral
                                  -|___________|-
                                 |               |
                                  -----Starter---

Ballasts etc. can be got from a good electrical contractor or RS.

You can share one ballast between 2 small tubes if it is rated
accordingly - just wire two tube+starter combinations in series.
Make sure your starters have a_low_ enough rating for small tubes.
Electronic starters are not usually suitable.
                               

Also see my combined UV/Lightbox at  www.netcomuk.co.uk/~wwl/pcbs.html