Hello Lightning Tamers!
I have some news to share from the Taming Lightning Store: the Neon21 (legacy stock) Plasma Drivers are now officially SOLD OUT!
These transformers, which served as simple, low-powered plasma drivers, were produced by Information Unlimited before the company’s closure following the passing of owner Bob Iannini. Our store added these transformers last year as legacy stock, and once they were gone, they were gone for good.
I want to maintain transparency with our community, so it’s important to note that this stock was provided by Wayne Strattman, a close friend of Bob’s, who managed to procure a batch of leftover stock of drivers.
What made the Neon21 drivers special was their simplicity, robustness, and affordability. With an output ranging from 6.8kV to 8.8kV (nomial 7k), they were ideal for powering smaller works, such as the hearts made by Harriet Schwarzrock, the Moose Trophy by Chris Ahalt, and even my work, Atupu (Lime Light). These drivers were particularly effective for teaching workshops, where the manageable scale of co-learners’ (students) glass forms when learning to think about plasma with their own artwork or skillsets.
Moose Trophy, 2020
Collab with Chris Ahalt
Neon 5Torr
Dimensions: H 7in x W 7in x D 8in
Encircled & encirclement (section)
Harriet Schwarzrock
Dimensions: H 9in x W 7in x D 3in
Atupa (Lime Light), 2022
Percy Echols II
Argon-Krypton-Xenon
Dimensions: H 14.5in x W 12in x D 9in
But fear not! While Neon21 drivers are no longer available, the journey doesn’t end here. There are several other drivers available, although they may require a bit more fine-tuning. I’m personally committed to exploring these alternatives as I embark on creating my own artwork. Who knows, we may even find a suitable replacement for the Neon21 in the future!
Now, let me introduce you to another driver that we have in stock: the Neon X80. This transformer is like the little brother to the Neon21, designed to run on a 12V input with a lower output of 5kV. While it’s suitable for smaller scale works and simpler gas mixtures, it may not have the power to drive larger, more complex pieces. However, with some experimentation, you might be pleasantly surprised by its capabilities.
⚠️A word of caution: the Neon X80 is not intended to be pushed with more power beyond its design specifications. Attempting to do so may cause it to heat up significantly and shorten its lifespan. Nonetheless, it’s a valuable addition to our inventory and opens up new possibilities for your plasma art projects.
In addition to the Neon X80, we’ve been testing other transformers, and we hope to share more results with you by the end of this summer. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Percy Echols II
HVgen10AC v3.1 – High Voltage Shop – used the Inspire (Neon Citrus)
- 12V to 24V typical (min. 6V – max. 30V)
- ~5kVpp @ 12V input voltage
- ~10kVpp @ 24V input voltage
- Requires familiarity with small electronics
Midget Script – Tech22
Tech 22 datasheet – midget script
- 12VDC Nominal (11 to 13 VDC max)
- Output 8kVpp to 10kVpp
- Adjustable control via screw or wire for microcontroller
- Requires wiring for single-electrode use
As I continue to expand our product offerings and explore new possibilities in plasma illumination, I’m grateful for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from Taming Lightning!
Feel free to share, comment, and subscribe. and I’ll See you next time.
