You will need to use a larger resistor if you are using a NE-2 type 
lamp.  Keep current well below 1 mA.  You maybe even want to try 1/2 mA.
bill


Carl Denk wrote:

>I have a farm type electric fence power supply that we use to keep 
>critters (deer, raccoons, etc.) out of our vegetable garden. It is 120 
>VAC 10 watt max input, and output is 440 - 660 VAC measured with a DMM.  
>The power supply is only a transformer, with no other components. The 
>external circuit is a ground rod, and the hot terminal connected to 
>aluminum or steel wire that is insulated from earth and can go distances 
>measured in miles, though I only need less than 400 feet. I have had a 
>120 volt neon lamp indicator on the output side that lasted a season, 
>and recently burned out. Thinking that some resistance would help, a 10K 
>1/4 watt resistor was added in series with a new neon, it lasted one 
>day, the resistor is still OK, lamp is out. How do I make a lamp last??
>  
>
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