Neon Cactus

This neon cactus has been around my house for about 25 years. It serves as the night-light in the main room. Last week, it died, and that led to some investigation of the details…

The cactus is made from a “neon” sign tube, which glows brilliant green. The pale green color in the photo is an artifact of my camera. The transformer is hidden within the metal pot, and covered with a large amount of fish tank gravel, to support the transformer and the base of the neon tube. The toothiness along the neon tube is achieved by little bits of clear silicone caulk applied along the glass.

Inside the metal pot, there are two sets of connections: from the transformer to the neon tube, and from the power cord to the transformer input. The supply to the tube (output of the transformer) is rated at 3000 volts and 20 milliamps — enough to give someone a dangerous jolt, I believe. We are fortunate that we have never had a house guest who emptied his beer into the metal pot.

The cause of the failure last week was the transformer overheating. After 25 years, it deserves a rest — and has taken a permanent break. Power consumption of about 50 watts x 24 hours = 1.2 kwh/day = approx operating cost 30 cents/day at modern rates. Less than a single movie admission ticket per month. So it costs to operate a neon cactus, yes, but it is not out of line with other entertainment.

Rather than replace this neon cactus art with another neon construction, or hunt all over for a new transformer, I think it will be more in tune with the times to look for some LED or other pixel-based art. One might, for instance, mount a photo frame where the cactus was, and set up a suitable permanent or slowly cycling slide show fed from a USB stick. A bit of consideration and searching on the net and asking friends, should produce an abundance of good ideas.

Best wishes,
Ken Roberts
28-Dec-2015